If you've found your way here to this page, it means things haven't been going your way lately. You found yourself accused of some form of misconduct. You went through an investigation, and you defended yourself at a hearing. Ultimately, though, you lost and wound up with a sanction. Again, if you're here, we're guessing that sanction is fairly serious—suspension perhaps, but more likely dismissal.
You didn't hire an attorney before. Maybe you knew you were innocent and thought that would be enough to save you. Maybe you didn't want your parents to find out you were under investigation. Maybe you didn't think the punishment would be all that severe.
You're here now, though, and that's what matters. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team gives you your very best chance at overturning your case through appeal. We aren't just lawyers. We're focused on student rights. We've worked with hundreds of students just like you who have been accused of all types of offenses. We know how the University of Illinois, Chicago judicial system works, including the appeals process.
UIC doesn't give you a lot of time to file your appeal, though—just five days from the end of your hearing. That means you can't afford to wait. Call today at 888-535-3686, or take time now and use our online questionnaire to tell us more about your case.
It's Your Right – Use It
You can't be shy about filing an appeal. If it helps, keep in mind that UIC policy gives you the right to file an appeal. If that's not enough motivation, consider this: dismissal isn't just dismissal. Lots of our clients think they can simply transfer to another school if they're dismissed. The thing is, dismissal includes a transcript notation that describes the exact nature of your offense. You're probably not going to find another college or university willing to take you after you've been dismissed from UIC. You know what the job market is like without a college degree. Even if you're only facing suspension, it still represents a serious threat to your future. Returning to school after a break is never easy, and you'll still be dealing with a transcript notation. That could cost you job opportunities.
Finally, keep in mind that university judicial systems make mistakes. Lots of mistakes, in fact. First, schools have become far too quick to accuse students of misconduct. Innocent students can and do wind up accused. Then, they face a system that's stacked against them. Cases aren't in the hands of prosecutors and judges. Some administrator conducts an investigation, and hearings are heard by committees made up of students and faculty. Finally, universities have also become far too severe in terms of the sanctions they assign. An offense that might once have led to a warning or probation can now lead to suspension or dismissal.
We get it—you're worn out from your original investigation and hearing. You're frustrated at the outcome, and you feel like there's no way you can get a fair shake at this point. You have absolutely nothing to lose by appealing at this point, though, and everything to gain. Plus, this time around, you have an additional weapon in your arsenal. You've got the Lento Law Firm on your side.
The Appeals Process at the University of Illinois, Chicago
We'll say it again: you can't be shy about filing an appeal. You do need to be realistic about what you're facing, though.
As a starting point, you need to know that your situation has changed from before when you had only just been accused of misconduct. You've been through an investigation and a hearing, and—rightly or wrongly—you were found Responsible for your offense. Where before,, the university had the burden of proving you guilty, but now, it is on you.
In fact, your innocence is no longer an issue. Appeals aren't about guilt or innocence. They're about whether or not UIC treated you fairly during the process. The university is presumed innocent in this case, and you have the burden of proving that it made a mistake. You do this by establishing “grounds” for your appeal. At UIC, there are only three possible grounds:
- Some procedural error occurred significant enough to have affected the outcome of the hearing.
- Some new evidence has arisen that could impact the hearing outcome.
- The sanction you've been given is disproportionate to the nature of your offense.
As you probably know by this point, even having sufficient grounds may not be enough to save you. You also have to make your arguments effectively, and you face challenges you didn't have during your original hearing.
- UIC gives you just five days to file your appeal. That's not a lot of time to uncover new evidence or even to develop evidence of unfairness out of your original hearing.
- The Appeal Committee doesn't hold a formal hearing. You don't get to present evidence, you don't get to examine witnesses, you don't get to raise questions about the other side's evidence. Crucially, you don't get to appear before the committee at all. That's a significant disadvantage since decision-makers are always more willing to give the accused the benefit of the doubt if they can put a face to the name.
- Likewise, evidence in the case is limited to the record of the original hearing (unless you have uncovered some significant new evidence). In making its decision, the committee will only consider the record and the contents of your written appeal.
- Winning your appeal won't exonerate you. The committee can reduce your sanction, but you still have a sanction. The committee could also remand your case for a new hearing. In that instance, you'd start back at square one.
Fight for Your Future
The Lento Law Firm is always on your side, no matter the situation. We know universities have stretched their authority to the breaking point. We know they sometimes treat students unfairly, and we're dedicated to stopping their overreach.
Our Student Defense Team will go over the record with you and look for possible grounds for appeal. We'll work hard to uncover new evidence of your innocence. We can work with you to draft a strong, compelling document. The bottom line is that no one in the country works harder for student justice, and no one gives you a better chance at a new hearing.
As we said in the beginning, though, you cannot afford to wait. The window for filing your appeal at UIC is just five days. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
