A disciplinary misconduct accusation can come out of nowhere and it can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a four-star athlete, the student body president, or first in your class; misunderstandings happen all the time. You are always one argument away from a possible false allegation. And let’s face it, you’re a college student and you’re prone to making mistakes.

Whatever your situation, LLF National Law Firm wants to prevent a disciplinary misconduct charge from derailing your future. Our Student Defense Team knows how to negotiate fair settlements, but they can also be fierce when it comes to protecting client rights. Our attorneys know Wayne State University’s processes and procedures, and you can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to safeguard your interests.

First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 to find out what we can do, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Wayne State Rules and Regulations

The Wayne State Student Code of Conduct outlines all the rules you’re expected to follow while you’re a student. Any violation can get you into trouble, and we recommend you review the entire Code if you want to stay out of trouble. There’s no doubt, though, that some offenses are more serious than others.

  • Physical Abuse: First up, you can be charged for any physical harm you do to other members of the campus. Note, too, that you don’t have to cause actual harm. Threats and any other behavior that “endangers” others qualify as offenses.
  • Weapons Possession: The Code is quite clear that weapons use, possession, and even storage are clear violations of university policy.
  • Hazing: Given the Code’s prohibition on physical abuse and threats of physical abuse, it should come as no surprise that such behavior is prohibited in connection with initiation into a campus organization. Note, however, that hazing is also defined as the threat of psychological and emotional harm.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Here again, the Code is clear in outlawing “all forms” of sexual misconduct. It is worth remembering as well that such activity is barred under Title IX, a federal law, and that schools are required to investigate all credible complaints.
  • Misuse of Drugs: The Code bars “illegal use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of drugs.”

Normally, the minimum sanction for students found responsible for these five violations is suspension. Outright dismissal is also common. Both sanctions include transcript notations that describe the nature of the offense. These types of notations can lead to lost scholarships. They can cost you graduate school opportunities and internships. And even if you should manage to overcome a suspension, a transcript notation can interfere with job applications.

There is far too much on the line in a disciplinary misconduct case to try to handle things yourself. You need the very best help you can find. You need someone from LLF National Law Firm.

Disciplinary Processes and Procedures at Wayne State

A disciplinary misconduct charge is just that—a charge. You always have the right to due process. Wayne State must treat you as “innocent” until you’re proven guilty, for instance (“not responsible until proven responsible”). It needs concrete evidence to prove any allegations, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to such evidence.

Here’s what you can expect if you’ve been accused.

  • All disciplinary misconduct matters are under the purview of the Wayne State Student Conduct Officer. This official receives complaints and makes decisions about which ones warrant formal charges.
  • If the Student Conduct Officer issues a charge, they must provide you with official notice of that charge. This notice should explain the details of the allegation, and it should apprise you of your due process rights.
  • If you’ve been accused of misconduct, you have the right to an advisor. In addition, you have the right to select an attorney to serve as your advisor. This means the LLF National Law Firm attorney can help guide you through every step of the process.
  • The university must conduct some type of investigation. It cannot proceed against you without evidence to substantiate any charges. You should be asked to give your version of events. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence uncovered in the case as you prepare your defense.
  • Investigators are tasked with compiling their findings into a written report. Once they submit this, the Student Conduct Officer sets a time and date for a hearing before the university’s Hearing Committee.
  • The hearing affords both sides the opportunity to present evidence, including witness testimony. In addition, you may both raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
  • Ultimately, the Hearing Committee must base its decision on the “preponderance of evidence” in the case. If it seems more likely than not that you committed the offense, they must find you responsible (guilty).
  • If you are found not responsible, your case is over. If you are found responsible, you have the option to appeal that outcome if you can demonstrate that you were denied a fair chance to argue your innocence. Grounds for appeal typically include issues like new evidence, procedural errors, and disproportionate sanctions.

Note that Wayne State requires you to speak for yourself at meetings and other proceedings. The LLF National Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you. However, you can count on them to prepare you for every aspect of the investigation and hearing processes. They’ll coach you, for instance, on how to respond to investigators. They’ll work with you to collect evidence and draft your hearing presentation. And from start to finish, they’ll ensure the university respects your due process rights.

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. 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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