It’s hard enough just making it through Temple University—keeping your GPA up, learning to budget your money, and dealing with temperamental roommates. The last thing you need is a disciplinary misconduct allegation to deal with.
The thing is, misconduct allegations can happen to anyone. We all make mistakes, of course, but you can also wind up in trouble because of simple misunderstandings or false accusations.
Whether you genuinely did violate some Temple policy or you’re entirely innocent, the LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team is on your side. We know universities are out of control when it comes to charging students with offenses. We understand that sanctions have become over-inflated. You can count on us, though, to protect your rights and to use every resource at our disposal to get you a fair resolution to your case.
What can we do to help you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Temple University
The first step to avoiding a misconduct charge is avoiding misconduct. That’s not always as easy as it sounds. Temple maintains dozens of rules and regulations against everything from trespassing to misuse of computer resources. We can’t go over each and every one of these, but we can point out some of the most serious offenses, the ones that tend to result in sanctions like suspension and dismissal.
- Physical Violence: The most important rules in any community have to do with protecting members of the community from harm. In line with that goal, Temple outlaws all forms of “bodily harm” whether “intentional” or caused by “reckless” behavior. Note, too, that placing another person in fear of harm is also an offense.
- Firearms Possession: Many of the other offenses listed in the Student Code of Conduct are more specific versions of the general prohibition on physical violence. To help limit the damage or potential violence, for example, the university outlaws the possession of any article that might endanger another person, including firearms, fireworks, knives, and explosives.
- Hazing: Hazing is another specific type of physical violence. Keep in mind, though, that hazing also applies to the mental harm you might do to initiates.
- Sexual Misconduct: Here again, sexual misconduct isn’t just limited to physical harm. Stalking, for example, and simple verbal harassment can get you charged with this offense. However, sexual misconduct is among the most serious types of violence you can commit as a college student.
- Drug Use and Possession: Temple bars all types of drug use, as well as drug possession, distribution, manufacture, and sale. In addition, the Student Code of Conduct contains a rule prohibiting the illegal use of alcohol. This would, of course, include underage drinking.
Disciplinary misconduct can result in a range of sanctions, from a “letter of reprimand” to outright dismissal from the university. Keep in mind, though, that any punishment, even a warning, can have long-term consequences if it should show up on your transcript. That document follows you for the rest of your life. It’s part of every job application. One black mark on it can make a potential employer think twice about hiring you.
With so much on the line, you cannot afford to take any accusation or any proposed sanction lightly. You must fight for your future. The LLF National Law Firm is here to help with that fight.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Temple’s Student Code of Conduct doesn’t just contain a list of offenses and sanctions. It also outlines the process for defending yourself, should you wind up accused of an offense. You have rights, including the right to presumption of innocence (not responsible), the right to review all evidence against you, and the right to defend yourself at a formal hearing.
- All disciplinary misconduct cases are handled by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS).
- The SCCS must inform you if you are under investigation. Notice of the charges against you should include an explanation of the complaint and a full list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor and to choose an attorney as your advisor. It’s important you contact the LLF National Law Firm the moment you’re charged. We can be beside you during investigative meetings to help you answer difficult questions.
- The university can’t find you responsible (guilty) unless it uncovers evidence to substantiate the charges. As part of any investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story, to offer counter-evidence and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Ultimately, investigators are tasked with submitting their findings back to the SCCS. Once they’ve done this, the SCCS sets a time and date for a hearing before a Student Conduct Board.
- The hearing is your opportunity to make your complete case, including arguments, evidence, and witness testimony. The other side has this same opportunity, and both of you can raise questions about one another’s evidence.
- All Temple misconduct cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Far less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” “preponderance” requires Board members to find you responsible (guilty) if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed an offense.
- The final stage in a case is the opportunity to appeal the outcome. Appeals must be based on issues of fairness, such as procedural errors, the discovery of new evidence, and disproportionate sanctions.
None of this is easy. Campus judicial procedures can be extraordinarily complex. You’re not alone, though. The LLF National Law Firm attorney will help with every aspect of your case, from uncovering evidence to coming up with questions for witnesses. We’ll make sure you’re prepared to answer investigative questions, and we’ll coach you on how to present your arguments at the hearing. Most importantly, we’ll closely monitor your case to make sure you’re treated fairly.
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.