Maybe you've heard the one about the Johns Hopkins student accused of disciplinary misconduct. His defense was simple: “I'm a Johns Hopkins student. When do I have time to commit disciplinary misconduct?”
Of course, the reality is that even Johns Hopkins students can find themselves charged with offenses. Misunderstandings happen. False allegations sometimes happen. And let's face it, college students make their fair share of mistakes. That's sort of what college is for.
A mistake shouldn't cost you your future, though, and an unfair charge certainly shouldn't. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team wants to make sure they don't. You might be under the impression that if you wind up accused of misconduct, you're supposed to handle it on your own. Let us set you straight. JHU's judicial system can be every bit as complex as any criminal case out in the real world. You need all the help you can get to defend yourself.
While we are attorneys, we're focused on student rights and student defense. You can count on us to know exactly how JHU policies and procedures work. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from every conceivable type of charge, and we can help you to do the same.
For more information, or to find out exactly what we can do for you, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Johns Hopkins University
Want proof that JHU's judicial system is complicated? The Student Conduct Code lists twenty-eight separate kinds of violations, and most of those include multiple offenses.
You can probably guess most violations for yourself. The list includes items such as
- Underage Drinking: No university is going to condone behavior that breaks the law. In fact, if JHU didn't have a rule against underage drinking, it would be liable to civil suits.
- Drug Possession: Likewise, the university prohibits all sale, distribution, and possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana.
- Hazing: This, too, is counter to the law under Maryland statutes. However, note that JHU's policy is stricter than the law.
- Physical or Emotional Abuse: It's not terribly surprising that JHU would bar physical violence. It is significant that you can also be charged for emotional abuse. In addition, you should be aware that threatening is also treated as an offense.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual harassment and discrimination are prohibited under Title IX, a federal law, and these apply to most types of sexual misconduct. Even if an offense isn't covered under Title IX, though, it is covered under JHU policy.
Beyond these specific regulations, there are two dozen others that concern issues ranging from theft and trespassing to the misuse of computer systems. In addition, JHU includes a number of catchall rules designed to ensure you treat the campus and the campus community with respect.
Finally, a word on sanctions. Like most colleges and universities, Johns Hopkins maintains a variety of different sanctions, from warnings to outright expulsion. And like most colleges and universities, JHU doesn't prescribe specific penalties for specific offenses. Sanctions are based on context.
That said, you should know that even a warning can have long-term repercussions on your academic and professional careers if it should appear on your transcript. Most employers will overlook a low grade or two, but if they think you're a disciplinary risk, they'll move on to the next candidate.
Mounting a Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Here's the good news: you are always entitled to fair treatment and a just decision. Johns Hopkins maintains a robust judicial system, and students are afforded a number of important due process rights.
- The Office of Student Conduct has jurisdiction over most offenses. It receives all complaints and makes decisions about whether or not an individual complaint warrants a formal charge.
- If you are under investigation, you'll receive a Notice of the Charges. This notice should identify the Complainant (your accuser or alleged victim), detail the allegations, and explain your several due process rights.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor. Further, you can select anyone you choose to serve in this capacity. The Lento Law Firm can be on hand at meetings and hearings to help you answer questions and counsel you on how to present your defense.
- The first phase of a case is the investigation. Investigators usually begin by meeting separately with the Respondent (you) and the Complainant, assuming there is one. In addition, they interview witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- Once their job is complete, investigators submit a written report to the OSC. The OSC then sets a time and date for either an administrative hearing or a conduct board hearing.
- In either case, you'll have the opportunity to argue for your innocence using evidence and witness testimony. Of course, the other side will make its case as well, but you will also have the chance to question their evidence and cross-examine their witnesses.
- Johns Hopkins judicial cases are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Unlike “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard requires decision-makers to find you “Responsible” if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- Hearings aren't always the end of cases. Should you lose, you have the right to appeal the outcome. You must have sufficient grounds for an appeal, though, something like a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Your attorney cannot speak on your behalf at investigative meetings and hearings. They are not allowed to "represent" you as such. As mentioned, though, they can offer advice throughout proceedings. More importantly, they'll work with you to put your entire defense together, from helping you collect evidence to coaching you in presenting your case. In fact, their most important job is to observe what happens and make absolutely sure you're treated fairly. You have rights. The Lento Law Firm attorney is committed to protecting them.
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.
