The stakes have never been higher at colleges and universities. You absolutely need a degree to get a decent-paying job. At the same time, schools have become increasingly strict about what kind of behaviors they will and won’t allow. One offense—just one—can potentially lead to suspension or even dismissal. 

The bottom line is that you cannot afford to try to handle an allegation by yourself. Everything’s at stake, and disciplinary processes and procedures can sometimes be almost impossible to navigate. You don’t just need help; you need the best help you can get.

The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was created to protect student rights. We understand what you’re facing in a way other law firms don’t. We know what’s at stake, and we know how to handle the situation. We’ve worked with hundreds of students just like you, and we’re well-versed in how university systems operate.

How can we help with your case? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The University of North Georgia Code of Conduct

Let’s start with a close examination of the University of North Georgia Student Code of Conduct. This is where you’ll find all the rules and regulations you’re expected to follow as a UNG student. The list is extensive, including everything from tampering with fire safety equipment to misuse of computer resources. Obviously, there are some rules that are more important than others, though, so we’ll focus on those offenses that are most likely to lead to sanctions like suspension and dismissal.

  • Physical Abuse: You’ll find this offense listed under UNG’s broad prohibition of “disorderly conduct.” Note that this regulation doesn’t just prescribe sanctions for the actual physical harm you do to others. You can also be charged and punished for making threats of participating in “harassment.”

  • Weapons Possession: Georgia state law permits you to keep a weapon in a locked compartment of your car parked on campus. Otherwise, however, all weapons use and possession are prohibited under the Code. This applies to “any object or substance designed to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate.”

  • Hazing: Colleges and universities have zero tolerance for hazing offenses these days. Any harm you do to another person’s physical, psychological, or emotional well-being can get you into trouble. In fact, students have been charged in recent years simply for keeping pledges up too late at night.

  • Sexual Misconduct: These offenses are governed by Title IX, a federal law. The government requires schools to investigate all credible complaints, and it encourages them to impose harsh sanctions on anyone involved in an offense.

  • Illegal Drugs: Finally, you can be charged with possession, use, manufacture, dispensation, and sale of any illegal drug. You can also be charged for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.

These five offenses almost always lead to either suspension or dismissal. Lesser offenses and sanctions can ruin your future just as easily, though, if they appear on your transcript. You could lose scholarships, making it far more difficult to earn your degree. And even if you do manage it, most employers take a dim view of graduates with misconduct records.

No matter what your situation, the LLF National Law Firm is on your side. We’ve helped students defend themselves from every conceivable type of charge. We know your rights, and we know how to use them to protect your future.

The Disciplinary Misconduct System

So just what are your rights? You have the right to due process any time you’re accused of an offense. That starts with a presumption of “not responsible” (innocence). UNG cannot punish you without concrete evidence. That means it must conduct a thorough investigation, and it must hold a formal hearing to allow you to contest such evidence.

  • All official complaints are filed with a Student Conduct Administrator. Once they receive such a complaint, these administrators must determine whether the allegations are credible and actionable. If the Administrator decides to issue a formal charge, they then turn the case over to a Conduct Officer.

  • The university must provide you with official notice of any charges you’re facing. This notice must explain the allegations, and it must apprise you of your due process rights.

  • The Conduct Officer conducts an investigation. As part of this investigation, you have the right to give your version of events, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence the Officer uncovers in your case.

  • In minor cases, the Conduct Officer has the authority to determine whether you are “responsible” and to issue sanctions. Note that responsibility must be based on the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. That is, the Officer must believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense before finding you responsible. However, you always have the right to reject their findings and request a formal hearing into the matter.

  • All major cases warrant a hearing.

  • Hearings give both sides a chance to make their cases. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. You are also entitled to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.

  • Again, any decision-maker in the case must employ the “preponderance of the evidence” standard in determining your level of responsibility (guilt).

  • Finally, the disciplinary process also grants you the right to appeal the hearing outcome if you can demonstrate that you were denied a fair opportunity to present your case.

The LLF National Law Firm can help you with all aspects of building your case, from collecting evidence to drafting your hearing presentation. In addition, you can count on us to hold the university accountable. We’ll make sure you’re treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.

The LLF National Law Firm is on Your Side

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 possle 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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