College success is about getting to class every day, about studying and acing exams, about doing research and writing papers. You do all those things. You work hard as a student, and it's having an effect. You've got a high GPA, and you're building an impressive list of academic achievements. The thing is, it doesn't matter how smart you may be or how many times your name appears on the Dean's List. One disciplinary misconduct charge can undo all of that.
The moment you're charged with an offense, you must act quickly and decisively to begin building your defense. The most important thing you can do at this point? Contact the Lento Law Firm.
Why us? We're the premier firm in the country when it comes to student representation. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know the stakes, and we know how LSU A&M operates.
We've helped hundreds of students fight charges their schools have leveled against them. We can help you to do the same. Call 888-535-3686 to find what we can do, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The LSU A&M Code of Conduct
Of course, the easiest way to avoid a disciplinary misconduct charge is to avoid committing disciplinary misconduct. That means knowing the LSU A&M Code of Student Conduct—your school's rules and regulations. OK, that's easier said than done. The Code is a complicated document, and the list of rules is long. You can start, though, by knowing the most significant of those rules, the ones that can get you into the most trouble, the ones that typically lead to the most serious consequences.
- Endangerment: The heart of the Code is a concern for the safety of everyone on campus. As you would expect, you are prohibited from all forms of physical abuse or the use of force. This prohibition applies not only to your actions against others but to actions you might take against yourself. Additionally, you're not simply barred from causing physical abuse but from threatening to cause abuse as well.
- Weapons Possession: LSU A&M further prohibits the possession of any type of weapon. The Code specifically mentions “firearms, facsimile guns, air guns, knives, explosives, [and] any dangerous chemical or biological agent[s]," but more generally forbids "any object used or designed to inflict or attempt to inflict harm or injury or fear of harm or injury." That's pretty inclusive.
- Hazing: Any “endangerment” committed in the act of induction into an organization is labeled “hazing.” Hazing can also include less serious behaviors, though, such as simple verbal harassment.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexually-based offenses from verbal harassment to sexual assault and rape are outlawed under federal law. Title IX requires schools to investigate all credible complaints and further encourages colleges and universities to institute harsh penalties.
- Drug Possession: Here again, the Code's policy is inclusive. You aren't just barred from drug possession but from use, sharing, furnishing, and distributing as well. In addition, you can be charged for "public intoxication."
Any violation of the Code can result in suspension or expulsion. These five offenses, though, almost always lead to these results. Keep in mind as well that both suspension and expulsion include transcript notations describing the offense. That sort of black mark on your record can keep you from transferring to other schools. It can keep you out of graduate school. It can even cause complications when you apply for your first job.
This is one reason why you need the very best legal representation you can find when you're facing a misconduct charge. There's simply too much at stake to risk trying to put your case in the hands of anyone other than the Lento Law Firm attorney.
Judicial Processes and Procedures at LSU A&M
The other important reason you need the Lento Law Firm on your side? Judicial processes and procedures can be complicated and difficult to navigate. The Code affords you a number of due process rights, and these can be powerful weapons when it comes to defending yourself. You have to know how to use them effectively, though.
- All allegations of disciplinary misconduct are handled by the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability. Note that this Office must believe allegations are credible and actionable before issuing any formal charges.
- Should the SAA charge you, it must provide you with notice of those charges. This notice should include a complete explanation of the allegations and a list of your several due process rights.
- The Code affords you the right to an advisor of your choice. This means you don't have to attend investigative meetings on your own. The Lento Law Firm attorney can be at your side to help you answer questions and ensure you're treated fairly.
- The next phase of the case is an investigation. The university cannot proceed without evidence substantiating the charges. As part of the investigation, you are allowed to give your side of the story. Further, you can submit evidence and suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Once the investigation is complete, the case moves on to adjudication. LSU A&M offers an informal resolution process, but serious cases typically appear before a University Hearing Panel. Keep in mind that you have the right to review all evidence in the case prior to any type of adjudication.
- Hearings are your best opportunity to lay out your entire case. You may offer any reasonable argument you can support with evidence. You may call witnesses to testify, and you may raise questions for any witness testifying against you.
- Once both sides have made their cases, the UHP determines your level of responsibility (guilt) based on the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. In simple terms, you are guilty if panel members are more than fifty percent convinced you are guilty.
- A not responsible outcome means your case is over. If you're found responsible, you can appeal, though you must have some grounds for appeal. These usually have to do with issues of fairness like a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
A university hearing is not the same as a criminal court case. One of the key differences is that you're not entitled to "representation." That is, the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you. You must make your own case. Your attorney's job, though, is to ensure you're prepared to do that. You can count on them to do everything from prep you for investigative interviews to outlining your hearing presentation. Along the way, they'll keep a close watch on the entire process and make sure LSU A&M 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.
