It doesn’t matter how smart you may be, how high your GPA is, or how many times your name has appeared on the Dean’s List. You’re still vulnerable to a charge of disciplinary misconduct. We all make mistakes, but you can find yourself accused even if you’re entirely innocent. Misunderstandings happen. False allegations sometimes happen. Once you’re under investigation, it’s impossible to know where your case may ultimately lead.
At the first sign of trouble at Texas Tech, it’s important you contact LLF National Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We’re familiar with all of TTU’s rules and regulations, as well as how campus judicial processes and procedures work. We’ve helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all manner of disciplinary misconduct charges, and we can help you to do the same.
First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Texas Tech University
The key to avoiding problems at TTU? Not committing any disciplinary misconduct. We know–easier said than done, right? The university’s Student Code is 80 pages long and contains dozens of different regulations. In fact, we couldn’t possibly summarize it all here. Let’s start, though, by talking about the most serious offenses contained in the Code, the ones that can get you into the biggest trouble.
- Assault: No community, including a university community, can tolerate physical violence against its members. TTU specifically prohibits “assault,” and this is among the most serious charges you can face at the university. Keep in mind, though, that the rule before assault deals with “endangering conduct,” and the rule after assault talks about “threats.” These are serious offenses as well.
- Weapons Possession: Weapons possession is a complex issue in the state of Texas, but TTU aims to prevent violence on its campus. The Code is careful in its wording, but certainly, it bars all “unauthorized” weapons possession. This even extends to the possession of weapon “replicas.”
- Hazing: TTU also takes hazing seriously. You can be charged for “endangering” another student’s “physical” or “mental” well-being. In recent years, college students have been charged with hazing for as little as interfering with pledges’ sleep.
- Sexual Misconduct: This offense is governed by federal law under Title IX. The government requires schools to investigate all credible offenses—from stalking to dating violence and rape. It also encourages schools to utilize severe sanctions.
- Drug Use and Possession: The Code bars “possession, use, sharing, furnishing [and] distribution” of drugs. You can be charged for misuse of prescription drugs and for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.
These offenses typically result in suspension or dismissal, and as a result, you can’t afford to take any allegation lightly.
The truth is, though, that even minor offenses can have a major impact on your future. A simple warning can cost you job opportunities if it should appear on your transcript.
The moment you’re charged with an offense—any offense—you need to contact LLF National Law Firm. We can protect your rights, defend your innocence, and keep your record clean.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
There is some good news. Some of those 80 pages in the Code of Conduct are dedicated to your rights. Any time you’re accused of disciplinary misconduct, you’re entitled to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). TTU must conduct an investigation, and it must give you an opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing.
- Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint with the Dean of Students (DOS). The DOS must then determine whether the complaint is credible and actionable.
- If the DOS decides to proceed with a formal charge, you’ll be issued notification of that charge. Notification must include a description of the allegation and a complete list of your due process rights.
- One of your most crucial rights is the right to an advisor. Further, that advisor can be an attorney. From the moment you are charged, your LLF National Law Firm attorney can be at your side to help you answer questions and present your defense.
- The first phase of any misconduct case is an investigation. Investigators typically start by asking the respondent (the accused, you) and the complainant (your accuser) to submit to interviews. In addition, they talk with potential witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- Ultimately, investigators turn their findings over to the DOS, who then sets a time and date for a hearing, either in the form of an administrative conference or a full Conduct Board hearing.
- Whatever form the hearing takes, you’ll have the opportunity to present physical evidence and call witnesses. You also have the right to raise questions for any witness testifying against you.
- All misconduct cases are decided using the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. If decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt, they are required to find you guilty.
- If you’re found responsible for (guilty of) an offense, you can appeal. However, you cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the outcome. You must have grounds–some issue of fairness, such as a procedural error or new evidence to present.
Note that your LLF National Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you the way they would at a criminal trial. You must speak for yourself during the investigation and hearing. However, you can count on your attorney to prepare you to present your case. They’ll help you uncover evidence, suggest questions for witnesses, and even draft your presentation. Of course, they’ll also be on hand to offer advice and ensure the university respects your due process rights.
Fighting for Your Future
Handling your own disciplinary misconduct case puts your entire future at risk. Make sure you have a professional on your side, someone who not only knows how to construct a strong defense but who has experience helping student clients defend themselves from university charges. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team will make sure you’re fully prepared to defend yourself. They’ll protect your rights. They’ll help you to get the very best possible resolution to your case.
Sometimes, you have to fight for your educational future. We can help. To find out more, contact LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.