We get it: you’re a student. You spend all of your time worrying over papers and exams. You wake up in the middle of the night worrying about how you can squeeze another point or two out of your GPA. You don’t have time to think about how your conduct might affect your future.

Only, you can’t afford to ignore Cal State-East Bay’s Code of Conduct. The fact is that you can recover from a low grade or two. At most, you might find yourself on academic probation, but you can bounce back from that. A single disciplinary misconduct allegation could be enough to derail your entire future if it’s the wrong offense.

So then, what do you do if you suddenly find yourself charged with a serious Code violation? You make sure you have the right help on your side. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and nobody is better equipped to do that job than us. We know the law; we know how CSUEB policies and procedures work. We’re committed to using everything we know to get you the best possible resolution to your case.

What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Defining Misconduct

Every community needs rules and regulations to ensure that every member of the community is safe and that the community as a whole can operate effectively. At CSUEB, the rules and regulations are referred to as the Standards for Student Conduct. There are dozens of standards, far too many to deal with here. As a starting point, though, let’s talk about some of the most serious offenses, the ones that tend to result in the harshest penalties.

  • Endangerment: The heart of the Standards of Conduct is a prohibition against physical violence. The university’s most important responsibility is ensuring the welfare of its students. Note that CSUEB doesn’t just prohibit violence, though. You can also be charged for “endangering” others, for threats, and for harassment.

  • Weapons Possession: You are further barred from use or possession of weapons, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives, and dangerous chemicals. In fact, even a replica weapon can get you into trouble.

  • Hazing: CSUEB’s anti-hazing regulations apply to any harm you might do to others in the course of organizational initiation. “Harm” here is defined as danger to anyone’s physical, psychological, or emotional well-being.

  • Sexual Misconduct: Sexual misconduct is actually a matter of federal law under Title IX. Schools are required to investigate all credible complaints, and they are encouraged to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible (guilty of) an offense.

  • Illegal Drugs: The use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs can earn you a sanction. In addition, you are barred from misuse of prescription drugs and possession of any drug-related paraphernalia.

These five offenses typically carry penalties ranging from suspension to dismissal. Keep in mind that both penalties include a transcript notation about the nature of your offense. This can lose you scholarships and keep you out of graduate school. It can even interfere with your job search. Most employers avoid candidates with misconduct on their records.

You want to avoid these outcomes if you possibly can. At the first sign of trouble, it’s crucial you contact the LLF National Law Firm. We know exactly what you’re up against, and we can show you how to use the CSUEB system to your best advantage.

Dealing With a Misconduct Charge

The thing is, you actually have some pretty significant rights any time you’re charged with a misconduct offense. For example, you are always innocent until proven guilty (“not responsible” until proven “responsible”), just as you would be in the criminal justice system. It takes concrete evidence to overcome that presumption, and you have several opportunities to raise questions about any evidence the university has against you.

  • Anyone at the university can accuse you of an offense. However, the university must be convinced that the accusations are credible and actionable before opening any investigation into your behavior.

  • If you’re being investigated, the university must provide you with notice of the charges against you. Not only should this notice describe those charges, but it should also include a complete list of your due process rights.

  • An investigation can be a frustrating, grueling experience. Keep in mind, however, that you have the right to give your side of the story and to submit your evidence. Further, investigators must keep you informed about any evidence they uncover. You should know what’s coming well before any hearing.

  • The university’s evidence against you serves as the foundation of your hearing, but you have the right to introduce your own evidence as well. You can also call witnesses to testify on your behalf. And of course, you are entitled to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.

  • Once the hearing is complete, one or more decision-makers will decide your fate. They must be more than fifty percent convinced by the evidence against you to find you responsible, though.

  • In addition, you have the right to challenge a “responsible” finding through a formal appeal. All you need is evidence that the university in some way denied you the opportunity to present a fair defense. This could include a procedural error, a new piece of evidence in the case, or a disproportionate sanction.

Knowing your rights isn’t necessarily the same as knowing how to use them effectively. You also have to worry about whether CSUEB will actually follow its own rules correctly. The LLF National Law Firm can help guide you through the entire process, though, and ensure you’re treated fairly, start to finish. 

How Can We Help?

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 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 the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.

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