You came to George Mason University to study, and that's how you spend most of your time. A disciplinary misconduct allegation can get you sent home from the university as fast as low grades, though. It's important you know GM's Student Code of Conduct. If you should find yourself accused of an offense, it's equally important that you have a grasp of GM's judicial processes and procedures.
And one more thing: you're going to need help. The best help you can find. It's no easy task navigating a university's judicial system, and these days, even minor offenses can result in serious sanctions. There's simply too much at stake to try and defend yourself.
Luckily, you don't have to. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side, no matter what your situation might be. We're dedicated to protecting student rights. We know George Mason's rules and regulations, including how to use them to your advantage. And we're experienced. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all kinds of charges. We can help you to do the same.
First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at George Mason University
George Mason's Code of Student Conduct contains dozens of prohibitions covering everything from forgery to gambling. We can't describe all of them here. To truly protect yourself, you want to take the time to go over the Code for yourself.
However, we want to make sure you understand the most serious offenses at the university, since these are the ones that can cost you your educational future if you're not careful.
- Physical Harm: GM bars all types of physical harm, including harm that you might cause to yourself. In addition, the Code prohibits the threat of physical harm.
- Weapons Possession: Firearms and fireworks are forbidden at George Mason, including all types of explosives. In fact, the policy goes so far as to ban “replica” firearms.
- Hazing: Hazing has become a serious offense in recent years. GM's anti-hazing policy is broad ranging, barring any organization activity that might cause physical or “mental” harm to another student.
- Sexual Misconduct: Federal Title IX statutes require all colleges and universities to maintain strict sexual misconduct policies. The government further encourages schools to impose harsh penalties on students found responsible for (guilty of) offenses.
- Drug Possession: GM prohibits drug possession, use, manufacture, and sale. Keep in mind that marijuana remains illegal under federal law, even with a prescription.
Sanctions for offenses like these can include suspension and dismissal. Even if the proposed sanction is much lighter, it's important you take all misconduct charges seriously. A warning for trespassing can have far-reaching consequences if it shows up on your transcript. Any record of a disciplinary offense can affect scholarships, internships, graduate school opportunities, and even job prospects. Any time you're accused of violating school policy, you need the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side to protect your interests and ensure the best possible outcome.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
George Mason is required by its own policies to provide you with due process protections any time you're accused of a disciplinary misconduct offense. You have some important rights, such as the right to a presumption of innocence, but you have to know how to use these rights effectively if they are to be of use in your defense.
- The Office of Student Conduct has jurisdiction over all misconduct offenses at GM. Anyone may accuse you of breaking a rule, but only this Office can issue formal charges. This means it is sometimes possible to intervene in a case before an investigation begins.
- The Office of Student Conduct must provide you with notice of any official charges against you. This notice contains important information if you know how to use it properly, including a description of the accusation and a list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor of your choice. The Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you, but they can be on hand throughout the process to offer advice and help you present evidence.
- If the case makes it to this point, the Office of Student Conduct initiates an investigation. Investigators typically start by interviewing the respondent (the accused, you) and any complainants (accusers). In addition, they speak with witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- Once they've completed their work, investigators submit a written report of their findings to the Office of Student Conduct. You have the right to review any information in this document. Ultimately, though, the Office sets a time and date for a formal hearing into the matter. Minor offenses usually appear before a single conduct officer. Major offenses are heard by a Community Adjudication Board (CAB)
- At the hearing, you are entitled to make arguments in defense of your innocence and to support these arguments with evidence and witness testimony. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, decision-makers employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to decide whether or not you are responsible for an offense. According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you violated university policy.
- You have one additional right: the right to appeal a responsible outcome. You must have grounds for an appeal though, something like a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
You can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to help you prepare for every aspect of your case. They'll work with you, for instance, to uncover evidence and outline your strongest arguments. They'll draft documents, prepare exhibits, and suggest questions for witnesses. They'll even coach you in how to deliver your points at the hearing. Throughout it all, they'll be beside you, offering advice and ensuring George Mason respects all of your due process rights.
Fighting for Your Future
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.
