Students often make the mistake of thinking a disciplinary misconduct charge is no big deal. They assume the process will be simple and straightforward and that, at worst, they’ll wind up with a slap on the wrist. The fact is that Auburn judicial procedures can be every bit as complex as those you’d face in the criminal justice system. There’s also just as much on the line. It’s no exaggeration to say that a responsible (guilty) finding could have an impact on your entire future.

At the LLF National Law Firm, we understand the stakes, and we’re familiar with how campus justice works. We’ve worked with hundreds of students over the years, defending them from every conceivable disciplinary misconduct charge. No matter what the situation, we’re on your side and committed to getting you the best possible resolution to your case.

What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

The Auburn Code of Conduct

Like all colleges and universities, Auburn maintains an extensive Code of Student Conduct. Think of this document as the laws of the university. These are the rules and regulations you must follow, and violating them can lead to serious consequences.

We don’t have the space to go over every offense listed in the Code, but we do want to point out five of the most serious offenses you can commit. These are the violations that most often result in suspension or dismissal.

  • Violence: Unless you belong to a fight club (don’t talk about fight club), violence is always going to get you into trouble. Note that Auburn doesn’t just bar the commission of violence but also the threat of violence and any action that might endanger another member of the campus.
  • Weapons Possession: Given Auburn’s ban on violence, it’s no surprise that the school also prohibits the illegal possession of weapons on campus since these can exacerbate violence. Note, too, that the use of any item to harm, threaten, or intimidate is a Code violation, even if you legally possess that item.
  • Hazing: Colleges and universities have become increasingly strict when it comes to anti-hazing enforcement. Auburn’s policy is serious enough that while it is mentioned in the Code of Conduct, it is also dealt with in its own separate policy. Any physical harm you do to a pledge can trigger an investigation. So can any psychological or emotional harm you might do.
  • Sexual Misconduct: This particular offense is actually prohibited under Title IX, a federal law. Auburn is required to investigate all credible complaints, and the government encourages the imposition of severe penalties.
  • Drug Possession: Finally, the Code also bars the use, possession, manufacture, sale, and distribution of all illegal drugs. In addition, you can be charged simply for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Obviously, suspension and dismissal are the most serious sanctions you can face for disciplinary misconduct. Keep in mind, though, that any sanction, even a warning, can devastate your academic and professional futures if it should appear in your permanent record. Scholarship committees, graduate schools, and employers all take a very dim view of university infractions.

Judicial Processes and Procedures at Auburn University

You know the rules at Auburn. Now, how do you defend yourself if you should be charged with violating one of those rules?

The good news is that you have some important due process rights. The university can’t simply accuse you and dismiss you. You’re entitled to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”), to an investigation, and to a hearing.

  • The Office of Student Conduct handles all allegations of disciplinary misconduct. Anyone may accuse you, but this Office must believe the accusations are credible before it opens a formal investigation.
  • If you have been charged with an offense, the Office of Student Conduct must supply you with notice of those charges. This notice should outline the specifics of the allegations and explain all of your due process rights.
  • Under the Code, you have the right to an advisor who may be an attorney. Your LLF National Law Firm attorney can accompany you to investigative meetings and hearings and help you present your defense.
  • Because you have the preponderance of innocence, Auburn needs substantiating evidence to proceed with the case. Thus, you can expect the Office of Student Conduct to conduct a thorough investigation. Keep in mind: you have the right to give your side of the story to investigators. In addition, you have the right to review any evidence investigators should uncover.
  • Once the investigation is complete, investigators turn their findings over to the Office of Student Conduct. This Office then sets a time and date for a hearing before a Hearing Panel.
  • At the hearing, you offer arguments in defense of your innocence or to otherwise explain your actions. You back these arguments with physical evidence and witness testimony. In addition, you are allowed to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
  • Ultimately, members of the Hearing Panel must decide whether there is a “preponderance of the evidence” proving your responsibility (guilt). In simple terms, you are guilty if it seems more likely than not that you committed an offense.
  • Your final right is the right to appeal the hearing outcome. You must have grounds to do this, though. Recognized grounds for appeal at Auburn include,
    • Failure to follow proper procedure in the case.
    • The discovery of new information;
    • A disproportionate sanction.

While you are entitled to an LLF National Law Firm attorney, Auburn does expect you to speak for yourself. Your attorney is present strictly in an advisory capacity. However, your LLF National Law Firm attorney will make sure you are thoroughly prepared to deliver your case. They’ll help you collect evidence and answer investigative questions. They’ll draft your hearing presentation and suggest questions for witnesses. You can count on your attorney to use every resource at their disposal to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

The LLF National Law Firm is on Your Side

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 the LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.

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