If you want to succeed at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, you have to dedicate yourself to your studies. You have to be in class every day. When you’re not in class, you need to be studying. It helps to start papers as soon as they’re assigned.

No matter how hard you work to keep your GPA up, though, your future can be undone by a single disciplinary misconduct charge. So you can’t simply concentrate on academics. You also need to give some thought to your conduct outside of class.

That’s easier said than done, though. The UNCW Code of Conduct is complex. Rules and regulations are written in complicated legalese, and navigating the disciplinary system can be every bit as difficult as navigating the criminal justice system. You don’t want to try to deal with these challenges alone.

You don’t have to. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know how UNCW operates, and we’re experienced at helping students defend themselves. No matter what your situation, we’re on your side, and we’ll use every resource at our disposal to make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case.

How can we help you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The Rules and Regulations

Let’s start with a close look at the various rules contained in the UNCW Code of Conduct. It’s a long list and includes everything from underage drinking to forgery. As you might expect, though, some offenses are definitely more serious than others.

  • Endangerment: The most serious offense you can commit at UNCW is the infliction of bodily harm on another person. Note that the Code prohibits actual harm and threats. It also mentions “endangerment.” In simple terms, you can be charged simply for creating the conditions in which harm could occur, even if that harm doesn’t actually occur.

  • Weapons Possession: To further protect the campus, UNCW also outlaws weapons use and possession. State law affords you the right to keep a firearm in a locked compartment of your locked car. Otherwise, however, the university bars all types of firearms, crossbows, explosives, metallic knuckles, and even ice picks.

  • Hazing: Hazing incidents have gained tremendous public exposure in the last two decades. As a result, schools like UNCW have zero tolerance for offenses. Even keeping a pledge up too late at night can trigger an investigation.

  • Sexual Misconduct: This offense is actually a matter of federal law. Title IX requires schools to investigate all credible complaints of sexual misconduct and encourages schools to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible for (guilty of) an offense.

  • Illegal Drugs: Finally, the Code bars all use, possession, manufacture, sale, and delivery of illicit drugs. In addition, you can be charged for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.

A violation of any one of these five offenses can result in suspension and even dismissal. Keep in mind, though, that any misconduct offenses, no matter how minor, can cost you scholarships, graduate school offers, and job opportunities if they appear on your transcript. Even a warning for gambling can do serious damage to your future.

The LLF National Law Firm works extensively in the field of student defense. As a result, we understand the stakes better than other attorneys. We know that every allegation matters. Just as importantly, we’re experienced at protecting students. We know what makes for the strongest arguments on campus, and we know what counts as the best evidence. No one gives you a better chance of successfully defending yourself than we do.

Defending Yourself

The Code doesn’t just contain a list of offenses and sanctions. It also outlines the disciplinary misconduct process. In fact, you have a number of due process rights, like the right to a presumption of innocence (“non-responsibility”). If you know how to use these effectively, they can be powerful weapons in the fight for your future.

  • Anyone can file a complaint against you with the Dean of Students. However, only the Dean can issue formal charges. Note, too, that the university does not allow anonymous complaints.

  • Any time you’re facing charges, you’ll receive notice of those charges. This notice must describe the nature of the complaint, and it must include a complete list of your due process rights.

  • The university must also conduct an investigation. Because you’re innocent until proven guilty, there must be evidence to substantiate any charges. During this part of the process, you have the right to give your side of the story and submit evidence of your innocence. In addition, the university must allow you to examine any evidence it uncovers in your case.

  • Once the investigation is complete, the university sets a time and date for a hearing before one or more decision-makers.

  • At the hearing, you are entitled to offer arguments in your own defense and to support those arguments with physical evidence and witness testimony. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.

  • Decision-makers are tasked with deciding whether there is a “preponderance of evidence” against you. In plain English, this means that you are responsible (guilty) if decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced by the evidence.

  • You have the right to appeal a “responsible” outcome. However, you must have grounds to do so. This means either evidence that the university committed a procedural error, new evidence of your innocence, or an argument about the severity of your sanction.

In most instances, UNCW is on your side. The university not only educates you, but it feeds and houses you. There are whole departments dedicated to helping you get your first job. If you’ve been charged with an offense, though, UNCW is your adversary. It’s the university’s job to investigate you, to hold hearings, and to punish you if it feels that is necessary. Make sure you have someone in your corner, someone who is looking out for your interests. Make sure the LLF National Law Firm is on your side.

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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