Colleges and universities take disciplinary misconduct seriously these days. How seriously? Consider this: fail a course at American University, and the worst that happens is you end up with a lower GPA. Fail two or three courses, and you might wind up on academic probation, but you’ll still have a chance to get yourself back on track. One allegation of misconduct, though, can mean immediate dismissal.

Put simply, you cannot afford to take any allegation lightly. Any time you’re charged with an offense, you need to know everything you can about what it is you’re supposed to have done. You need to do a deep dive into the AU disciplinary misconduct system. And most importantly, you need to make sure you have the LLF National Law Firm on your side.

No one in the country is more dedicated to helping students than the LLF National Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we’ve helped hundreds of students just like you to do that. We know how AU policies work, and you can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.

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

AU Rules and Regulations

You can avoid most problems at AU simply by knowing the rules. You’ll find a complete list of these in the university’s Student Conduct Code. Of course, there are rules, and then there are Rules—big “R.” The following five offenses can lead to suspension or dismissal, even the first time you’re accused.

  • Physical Assault: All five of these offenses relate in some way to the harm you might do to others. That starts with a prohibition on physical assault. Note that the legal definition of “assault” includes any action that puts another person in fear of physical harm. In other words, you don’t actually have to harm someone to wind up charged with this offense.
  • Weapons Possession: Again, you do not have to cause anyone actual harm in order to be charged. Simple possession of a weapon is enough, and, in fact, you can be charged for possession of “any object” that is “indistinguishable” from a weapon.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Federal law prohibits sexual discrimination and harassment on college campuses, and Title IX actually applies to all forms of sexual misconduct, from stalking to rape.
  • Hazing: Hazing incidents have a tendency to wind up in the news, so schools take them especially seriously. Keep in mind that you can be charged with any physical, psychological, or emotional harm you do to others, even if you have them sign a waiver ahead of time.
  • Drug Use and Possession: AU bars all use, possession, manufacture, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs. This includes marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law, and you can also be charged for possession of drug-related paraphernalia.

Dismissal means the end of your career at AU. Suspension likely means the same, since it usually includes the loss of any financial aid. In addition, both sanctions come with a transcript notation describing your offense. That can keep you from transferring and can even cause problems at job interviews. At the very first sign of trouble, make sure you have the LLF National Law Firm in your corner. We can protect your rights and look out for your interests.

AU Disciplinary Processes

Again, any charge you’re facing is serious, but keep in mind that a charge is just that: a charge. You always have the right to defend yourself, and AU has a clearly defined process in place to help you do that.

  • Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint with the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. Before this office issues any charges, though, it must believe the complaint is credible and actionable.
  • You are entitled to notice of any pending charges against you. This allows you to begin building your case immediately. Notice should include a full description of the complaint and a list of all your due process rights.
  • Under university policy, you are “not responsible” until proven “responsible” (innocent until proven guilty). In order to overcome this presumption, AU needs a “preponderance of evidence,” enough evidence to convince a decision-maker that you are “more likely to be guilty than not.”
  • In conducting any investigation, the university must ask you to provide your version of events. In addition, you have the right to review any evidence investigators uncover related to your case.
  • Minor allegations are handled through an administrative conference. More serious allegations, those that could result in suspension or dismissal, are heard by a hearing panel. In either case, you have the right to present physical evidence and witness testimony. In addition, you can raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • Only when both sides have had a chance to make their cases do decision-makers render a final decision as to your responsibility for the offense.
  • A “not responsible” finding means the end of your case. You can appeal a “responsible” finding if you can demonstrate that you were denied a reasonable opportunity to defend yourself. This usually means the university committed a procedural error, some new evidence has come to light, or you can demonstrate that the sanction you’re facing is disproportionate to the severity of your offense.

The moment you contact us, the LLF National Law Firm will begin building your defense. We can help you with all phases of your case, from tracking down evidence and conducting witness interviews to drafting a hearing presentation and filing any necessary appeals. It doesn’t matter what the situation might be; we are on your side and committed to protecting your academic future.

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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