If you've found your way to this page, it can mean only one thing—you've gotten yourself into trouble at the University of Oregon. You went through an investigation and a hearing, but you came out on the losing side. Now you're facing a sanction, something serious like suspension or dismissal.
You're in a bad spot, no question about that. You do still have one card to play, though. The University of Oregon affords every accused student the right to an appeal. An appeal can't reverse the hearing panel's Responsible finding, but it can give you another chance to make the case for your innocence.
You didn't contact an attorney when you were initially charged. Maybe you thought a campus case would be simple and straightforward. Maybe you thought that, at worst, you'd wind up with a slap on the wrist. Whatever the reason, don't make the same mistake twice. Don't try to take on the university by yourself. You need the best possible help you can find.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team knows exactly what you're up against. We also know how the University of Oregon's judicial processes and procedures work, including how to file appeals. We've helped hundreds of students protect themselves, and we can help you to do the same.
You need to contact us today, though. From the moment you were notified of the hearing outcome, OU gave you just ten days to file your appeal. That deadline is approaching fast. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686, or use our online questionnaire to tell us more about your situation.
The Appeals Process at the University of Oregon
Very few people understand what's actually involved in appealing a verdict. An appeal is not a chance to re-argue your case. In fact, your innocence or guilt isn't an issue at all. Appeals are a check on the system, one last chance for the University of Oregon to make sure it treats you fairly. The sooner you adjust your thinking to this fact, the better chance you have of a successful appeal.
- You've been found guilty of one or more offenses. It can be tough accepting this fact, but that acceptance is where your appeal begins. Your case isn't over just yet, but in the eyes of the university, you are guilty.
- That single fact changes the entire playing field. In your original hearing, the university had to prove your guilt. You probably defended yourself, but you didn't have to. You were “innocent until proven guilty” (Not Responsible until proven Responsible). Now, you're leveling an allegation at the university—an appeal is a claim that you weren't given a fair hearing. In this case, the school has the presumption of innocence, and you have the burden of overcoming that presumption, of proving through a “preponderance of evidence” that you deserve a new hearing.
- Consequently, you cannot argue your innocence. Your arguments must concern the fairness of the process. In fact, the University of Oregon recognizes only four possible arguments, or “grounds,” for an appeal.
- The university didn't follow appropriate procedures, and that cost you your chance at a fair hearing.
- You were assigned a sanction that is disproportionate to the offense.
- The finding is not supported by the preponderance of the evidence.
- New evidence has come to light since the hearing that might have had an impact on the outcome.
- A University Appellate Body will decide your case. However, there is no hearing. You won't have a chance to address that Body, to make your arguments in person, or to cross-examine witnesses. Your entire case must be contained in your written appeal.
- You may not present evidence of your innocence. You may use the hearing record to back your claims of unfairness, or you may argue that new evidence demonstrates you deserve a new hearing.
- As the previous point suggests, the Appellate Body cannot reverse the hearing outcome. They may affirm that outcome, reduce your sanction, or order a new hearing.
Keep in mind you are not alone going through this process. The Lento Law Firm will make sure you understand how appeals work at the University of Oregon. They'll go over the entire case with you and identify any grounds you may have for an appeal. They'll also write that appeal on your behalf.
What's at Stake
We won't sugarcoat your situation. An appeal is always an uphill battle. You've exhausted many of your due process rights, and you bear all the burden of proof at this point. This is a battle worth fighting, though, and you can't simply walk away from it.
For one thing, there's really nowhere else to go. Dismissal doesn't just mean dismissal from the University of Oregon. Your transcript will forever carry a record of your offense, and that will keep you from enrolling anywhere else. In simple terms, dismissal means heading out onto the job market without a degree.
If you're facing suspension rather than dismissal, you can potentially return to the university and earn your degree. However, that's not an easy prospect. You'll carry the stigma of your offense. You may lose financial aid, which puts the burden of paying for your education squarely on your shoulders. Even if you do manage to receive your diploma, your transcript notation will remain, and it will almost certainly hurt your job applications.
The threat of a sanction isn't the only reason to keep fighting, though. The fact is, you can win your appeal, whatever the odds. Colleges and universities aren't equipped to dispense justice, and they often do a poor job of it. Their mistakes shouldn't cost you your chance to graduate. The appeals process exists to correct such mistakes, and you should never be shy about filing one.
Fight For Your Future
Whether you're entirely innocent or you're simply looking to get fair treatment from the University of Oregon, you owe it to yourself to continue the fight. We're here and ready to help. We'll guide you through the entire appeals process, make sure you put forward your very strongest arguments and guarantee the university respects your rights.
As we said in the beginning, though, you cannot afford to wait. There are deadlines for filing your appeal. Get started now. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
