If you've found yourself accused of disciplinary misconduct at Cal State Los Angeles, you should know that the university affords you the right to an advisor and to choose an attorney to fill this role. You might think that hiring an attorney to handle a university investigation and hearing is overkill. The fact is, though, that disciplinary processes and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and if you should lose your case, you could face sanctions up to and including suspension and dismissal.
You can't just hire any attorney, though. A local or family attorney won't have the background and experience to deal with campus justice. You need a Lento Law Firm lawyer--someone from the firm's Student Defense Team. That Team was established to protect student rights. They've defended hundreds of clients from all types of charges. They're also familiar with how Cal State LA operates. They'll use every resource at their disposal to ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
The Lento Law Firm is always on your side. How can they help with your case? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Disciplinary Misconduct at Cal State Los Angeles
You'll find a complete list of disciplinary misconduct offenses at Cal State LA listed in the school's Student Conduct Code. It's a long list and includes strictures against everything from underage drinking to misuse of computer resources. There are rules, though, and then there are Rules—big “R”—rules that carry serious, life-altering sanctions, even for first offenses.
- · Physical Abuse: The heart of the Code is a prohibition against any conduct that “threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person” connected with the campus community. Note that “health” isn't defined as simply physical well-being. You can be charged for putting another person's psychological or emotional health at risk as well.
- · Weapons Possession: As a further check on campus violence, Cal State LA also bars the use and possession of weapons, including firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, and dangerous chemicals. In fact, you can even be charged for possession of a firearm "replica."
- · Hazing: Most hazing activities are already prohibited under the Code's "physical abuse" provision, but Cal State LA wants to be sure students know that endangering a pledge's physical, mental, or emotional health can result in serious sanctions.
- · Sexual Misconduct: Title IX—a federal law—prohibits sexual discrimination and harassment on college campuses. Note that “harassment” isn't just physical. Anything that interferes with a woman's right to a fair education is a Title IX violation, including stalking, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and rape.
- Misuse of Drugs: The university doesn't just bar the "use, possession, manufacture, or distribution" of illegal drugs. It also prohibits the misuse of legal, prescription drugs and the possession of drug-related "paraphernalia."
What is a "life-altering" sanction? Both suspension and dismissal are serious in and of themselves, but they also include transcript notations that explain your offense. Notations like that can mean heading onto the job market with a degree. Very few schools are willing to admit transfer students with a record of misconduct.
The moment you're charged, it's crucial that you contact the Lento Law Firm. They are the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense, and they offer your best possible chance at salvaging your academic and professional futures.
Disciplinary Procedures at Cal State Los Angeles
No matter how serious the charges against you may be, you always have the right to due process under Cal State system-wide policies. Cal State LA must treat you as “not responsible” until proven “responsible (innocent until proven guilty), it must conduct a thorough investigation, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to charges at a full and formal hearing.
Here's what you can expect from these processes.
- Anyone on campus may lodge a complaint against you—other students, faculty, administrators, staff, and security personnel. The university must believe a complaint is credible, though, before issuing a charge.
- If you've been charged, you'll receive written notice of the charges. That notice should explain the allegations. It should also include a complete list of your due process rights.
- The university cannot proceed without evidence to substantiate the charges against you. As part of any investigative process, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview. You should also be invited to review any evidence in the case as you build your defense.
- Once the investigation is complete, investigators turn their findings over to the university, which then sets a time and date for a hearing and assigns one or more decision-makers to preside over proceedings.
- At the hearing, both sides present their cases, including physical evidence and witness testimony. Both sides also have the right to raise questions about evidence, including witness testimony.
- All cases are decided using the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. This standard, far less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” asserts that you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- Finally, you also have the right to appeal your hearing outcome if you can show that you were denied a fair opportunity to make your case. Typically, grounds for appeal are limited to procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and disproportionate sanctions.
While you are allowed an advisor, Cal State LA requires you to speak for yourself. Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you. It is their job, though, to prepare you to represent yourself. Your attorney will work with you to find evidence, coach you in responding to investigators, outline your hearing presentation, and even suggest questions for witnesses. Their most important job, though, is to protect your interests and make sure Cal State LA respects your rights.
The Lento 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 Lento 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 Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.