When you were initially charged with misconduct at the University of Pittsburgh, the Director of Student Conduct told you that you were allowed to bring two support persons of your choice to any meetings and proceedings. However, they made clear that these support persons were not allowed to actively participate in proceedings. You figured there was no point in hiring an attorney if they couldn't actually represent your interests.
The reality is an LLF Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in your defense without ever setting foot on campus. They can craft your entire defense, help you uncover evidence, suggest questions for witnesses, and coach you in presenting your case. No one has the power to prevent you from getting legal advice.
You're here now, and that's what matters. The LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team is well-versed in filing misconduct appeals. We know how Pitt's judicial system works, and we'll do everything in our power to protect your rights and make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us as soon as possible, though. Once you've received your initial hearing decision, Pitt gives you just ten business days to file your appeal. Call the LLF 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 Pittsburgh
An appeal is very different from an investigation and hearing, and it's important you adjust your thinking before you undertake this next phase of the process. Here's what you should expect from your University of Pittsburgh appeal.
- You began this process with the presumption of innocence. You were treated as "Not Responsible," and the university had the burden of proving your responsibility with clear evidence. Certainly, you disagree with the ultimate findings of your hearing, but the fact is that you have now been found "Responsible for" (guilty of) one or more offenses. The university assumes you were treated fairly throughout the process and given a sentence that was just and right. The burden is now on you to prove otherwise.
- You are no longer arguing about your innocence. Instead, you must present an argument that has to do with the fairness of the process. In fact, at Pitt, there are just five grounds for an appeal.
- Your due process rights were violated in some way.
- The university failed to follow established procedures in your case.
- There is insufficient evidence to justify the university's decision.
- New evidence has been discovered that could impact the hearing outcome.
- The sanction you've been assigned is disproportionate to the nature of your offense.
- Given the fact that your argument has changed, it should come as no surprise that the evidence you're allowed to present has changed as well. Unless you've discovered new evidence since your hearing, you must prove your arguments using only the record of the original hearing.
- You will have no opportunity to address the Review Board directly. Decisions are made in closed-door sessions. This means your written documents must be clear and persuasive.
- Again, an appeal is not about your guilt or innocence. It is about the fairness of the process. Even if you should win your appeal, your case isn't over. The Review Board can reduce your sanction or remand the case back for a new hearing.
The appeals process may seem simple. You file an appeal, and you wait for a response. There's no hearing, so you don't have to worry about preparing to "present" your case. You don't have to prepare questions for witnesses.
The fact is that successful appeals require a great deal of planning and execution. You must carefully review the record of the original hearing in order to find grounds for your appeal. You must come up with compelling arguments. You must create a document that makes your entire case succinctly and clearly.
The bottom line is that you should never attempt an appeal on your own. The LLF Law Firm has years of experience helping students defend themselves. We know what makes for the strongest arguments. We know what counts as evidence. We know how to make you look your best on paper.
What's at Stake
It's important you understand just what's at stake before you go into your appeal. Again, you need a clear sense of what you're facing.
It is no exaggeration to say that your entire future is on the line. If you're facing dismissal, it not only means the end of your time at the University of Pittsburgh but, likely, the end of your shot at a diploma. You can't simply transfer your way out of this problem. Other schools won't accept you with a dismissal on your record. In fact, even if you're only just facing a suspension, you'll almost certainly have to explain your disciplinary misconduct when you go to apply for your first job.
All is not lost at this point. You can and should continue to fight. Colleges and universities make plenty of mistakes when trying to pass judgment on students. They are far better suited to delivering knowledge than delivering justice, and students can and do win their appeals. Keep in mind as well that you're not going through this alone. This time around, you have a LLF Law Firm attorney beside you. If there are grounds for appeal, we'll find it. We'll write an airtight appeal on your behalf. We can sometimes even negotiate directly with a university using our relationships with schools' Offices of General Counsel as leverage. We'll do everything in our power to help save your educational future.
Fight For Your Future
Of course, the LLF Law Firm cannot guarantee to win your appeal. No one can do that. At this point, you've exhausted a number of your most important rights. The appeals process at the University of Pittsburgh exists for a reason, though. You deserve justice, and what the LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team can promise you is that they will fight hard to get you that justice. They're here to protect your rights and to make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
As we said in the beginning, though, you cannot afford to wait. Ten days is not long to put together a strong appeal. Get started now. Contact the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
