Disciplinary misconduct allegations happen for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you were blowing off a little steam after a tough exam, and you wound up partying a little too hard. Maybe you had a fight with your significant other and said some things in public that you really shouldn’t have said. Or maybe you didn’t actually do anything wrong at all. Maybe you’re the victim of a simple misunderstanding or a false accusation.
Whatever your particular situation, you don’t want to try to defend yourself without help. Campus justice can be difficult to navigate, and sanctions can be severe, all the way up to outright dismissal.
Help is available, though. LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to get students the justice they deserve. We don’t believe a mistake should cost you your chance at a degree, and we certainly don’t believe innocent students should wind up paying for offenses they didn’t commit.
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 the University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Let’s start by looking at the UNC-Charlotte Student Code of Student Responsibility. These are the rules and regulations that govern your behavior at the university. We can’t go over all the possible offenses you could commit. The Code is simply too extensive. However, we can describe the most serious offenses, the ones that tend to lead to the most serious punishments.
- Acts of Harm: This is the very first violation listed in the Code, and with good reason. Universities have an obligation to protect everyone on campus. “Acts of Harm” includes any action that causes physical harm to another member of the campus. However, it also includes placing anyone in fear of harm or placing anyone at risk of harm. In addition, you can be charged for harassment and for any unwanted “physical contact.”
- Weapons Possession: North Carolina state law allows students to store firearms in their vehicles if those firearms are stored in a locked container. However, you must have UNC-Charlotte permission to carry any type of weapon on campus. In addition, any use of a weapon to instill fear is explicitly prohibited.
- Hazing: Colleges and universities across the country have taken a hardline stance against hazing in recent years. UNC-Charlotte is no exception. You can be charged for putting pledges in any sort of physical danger. The threat of psychological and emotional harm can get you into trouble as well.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses are subject to Title IX, a federal law. The law requires all colleges and universities to investigate credible complaints. The government also encourages schools to institute harsh penalties for offenders. The minimum sanction is usually suspension, but dismissal is more common.
- Drug Possession: Like UNCC’s prohibition on Acts of Harm, its policy on drug possession is broad and inclusive. The university outlaws possession, consumption, and use of any controlled substance. In addition, it bars possession of drug paraphernalia, misuse of over-the-counter drugs, and public intoxication.
These five offenses often result in suspension or dismissal. However, you should be aware that even a warning for disciplinary misconduct can cost you scholarships, graduate school opportunities, and even job interviews. Don’t risk these outcomes. The moment you’re accused, make sure you have someone from LLF National Law Firm on your side.
UNC-Charlotte Judicial Processes and Procedures
The list of offenses at UNC-Charlotte is long, and it’s easy to find yourself charged with an offense. The good news, though, is that you have some important rights if you should find yourself accused. As a starting point, you have the right to a presumption of innocence. Only a “preponderance of evidence” can lead to a responsible (guilty) outcome and a sanction.
Here’s what you can expect from the process.
- Cases begin with a complaint made to the Director of the Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution Office.
- If the Director decides to pursue formal charges against you, you’ll receive notice of those charges. This notice should outline the particulars of the offense and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- The university must undertake some type of investigation. It cannot proceed against you without substantiating evidence. As part of this process, you have the right to give your side of the story. In addition, you have the right to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- Once investigators have completed their work, they submit their findings to the Director, who refers the case to a Hearing Panel.
- The hearing is your best opportunity to make your complete case. You may present physical evidence in support of your innocence, and you may call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony,
- Once both sides have made their cases, the Panel considers whether there is a “preponderance of evidence” demonstrating your responsibility (guilt). Basically, you are guilty if it seems more likely than not that you committed the offense.
- If you are found responsible, you can appeal that outcome. However, you must be able to show that you were treated unfairly during judicial proceedings. This might include a procedural error by the university, a new piece of evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Under UNC-Charlotte policy, you are entitled to an advisor. In some cases, this advisor can even represent you during investigative meetings and the hearing. No matter what, you can be sure that your LLF National Law Firm attorney will do everything in their power to prepare you for the process, from helping you collect evidence to drafting your hearing presentation. We are always on your side, and we’ll use every resource at our disposal to protect your 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. 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.