Did you get frustrated over a grade and go a little too far blowing off some steam? Maybe you had an argument with your significant other, and people in the student union saw you at a moment when you weren’t, shall we say, at your best? Or maybe you did nothing at all. Misunderstandings happen all the time. False allegations happen sometimes as well.

Whatever the reason Florida Atlantic has charged you with disciplinary misconduct, it’s important you take the situation seriously. It’s no easy task navigating campus judicial procedures, and if you’re ultimately found “responsible for” (guilty of) an offense, it could have serious implications for your academic and professional futures.

What does taking the situation “seriously” mean? First and foremost, it means contacting LLF National Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team is dedicated to protecting student rights. More than any other lawyers in the country, we understand the stakes. We also understand what you’re up against from a legal perspective. We know how the FAU judicial process works and how to use it to your best advantage.

We’ve helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of college and university charges. What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The Code of Conduct at Florida Atlantic University

The FAU Student Code of Conduct is complex and it is long. How long? Long enough that we can’t possibly take the time here to talk about all of the many offenses you could be charged with committing. What we can do is explain a few of the most serious offenses. These are the ones you should avoid at all costs, the ones that lead to the very worst sanctions.

  • Violence: In one way or another all of the most serious offenses in the Code relate back to violence. FAU has a responsibility to protect members of the campus community, and it takes that responsibility seriously. You can be charged for any violent act. You can be charged simply for threatening violence. And elsewhere, the Code outlaws bullying and “endangering” others’ health and welfare.
  • Weapons Possession: Recent changes to the Florida criminal code have allowed for concealed carry in a personal vehicle so long as the weapon is stored securely. Otherwise, however, FAU bars all weapons use and possession. This ban extends to firearms, explosives, fireworks, ammunition, and hazardous materials.
  • Hazing: You can also be charged for any harm you might cause others as part of initiation into an organization. This includes psychological and emotional harm as well as physical harm.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Title IX, a federal law, requires all colleges and universities to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, from simple verbal harassment to sexual assault. In addition, the government pressures schools like FAU to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible for an offense.
  • Drug Possession: Finally, FAU also prohibits the “use or misuse” of drugs, including medical marijuana, prescription drugs, and all drug paraphernalia.

The most common penalties for these five offenses are suspension and dismissal. Keep in mind as well that these penalties include a transcript notation describing your offense. A notation like that can interfere with scholarships, prevent you from transferring, and even ruin your chances at a top job out of college. You cannot afford to risk these outcomes. The moment someone accuses you of misconduct, it’s vital that you contact LLF National Law Firm so we can protect your interests.

Florida Atlantic Judicial Processes and Procedures

In addition to a list of offenses, the Student Code also outlines the process for defending yourself from misconduct charges. In fact, you have some powerful rights you can use to protect yourself, like the right to a presumption of innocence. You have to know how to use these effectively, though, if they’re going to be worth much.

  • The Dean of Students handles misconduct complaints at FAU. Any time someone makes an accusation against you, this official must determine whether or not that accusation is credible and actionable under university policy.
  • If the Dean decides to issue formal charges against you, you’ll receive notice of those charges. This notice should explain exactly what it is you are supposed to have done and include a complete list of your due process rights.
  • One of your more important rights is the right to an advisor of your choice. This means the LLF National Law Firm attorney can be at your side throughout the case from the moment you’re charged.
  • The Dean is further responsible for conducting any necessary investigations. You have the right to meet with the Dean and give your side of the story. They also meet with any complainants and witnesses and collect physical evidence.
  • Ultimately, the Dean compiles their findings into a written report. In addition, they will usually make a determination and, if necessary, suggest a suitable penalty. If you continue to deny the charges, however, the case moves to a hearing.
  • Hearings sometimes take place in front of a single Hearing Officer. Most serious cases, though, appear before the university’s Student Conduct Committee. In either case, you have the opportunity to present arguments for your innocence, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for any witness testifying against you.
  • Decision-makers then decide whether there is a “preponderance of evidence” against you. In simple terms, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
  • Should you lose your case, you still have the option to appeal. However, you must have grounds for an appeal. At FAU, grounds are strictly limited to
    • Failure on the part of the university to follow procedure;
    • The severity of the sanction;
    • The discovery of new evidence;
    • A conflict of interest on the part of a decision-maker.

FAU expects you to defend yourself. The LLF National Law Firm attorney is on hand strictly as an advisor. You can be sure, though, that we will prepare you to defend yourself, from helping you search for evidence to drafting your hearing presentation. We’ll use every resource at our disposal to make sure you’re treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.

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.

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