You came to Ohio University to study and earn a degree, so you might think that academics is your most important concern. Yet, while it's true you need to make sure you're in class every day and working hard to master the course material, you can actually fail a course or two and still manage to graduate. Commit some form of disciplinary misconduct, though, and it could mean the end of your academic career.
Any time you find yourself charged with misconduct, you must take the situation seriously. You need a plan, including a strategy for defending yourself, and you need someone in your corner to help you put that plan into action.
When it comes to student defense, the Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country. We have a specially dedicated Student Defense Team focused on protecting your rights. We're familiar with Ohio University's disciplinary procedures, and we can show you how to use them to your benefit. Most importantly, we're always on your side, no matter what the situation.
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.
Defining Disciplinary Misconduct
Staying out of trouble at Ohio University starts with knowing the rules. You can find a complete list of those in the school's Student Code of Conduct. We recommend taking the time to at least skim over this document. For now, we want to draw your attention to some of the most serious Code offenses, the ones most likely to result in suspension and dismissal.
- Harmful Behavior: Ohio University's most important job is keeping the campus community safe. No surprise, then, that the Code includes an extensive prohibition on all forms of “harmful behavior.” In addition to the infliction of actual physical harm, you can also be charged for threatening harm, committing reckless actions, stalking, harassment, and discrimination.
- Weapons Possession: The university bars all weapons use, storage, and possession. This extends to all types of firearms, including pellet guns, as well as dangerous chemicals, explosives, and fireworks.
- Hazing: Most hazing activities are already covered under Ohio University's ban on harmful behavior. However, the university goes to the trouble of specifically barring such behavior as it relates to organization initiation.
- Sexual Misconduct: All colleges and universities are required under Title IX, a federal law, to bar sexual discrimination and harassment. This extends to all forms of sexual misconduct, including stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape.
- Misuse of Drugs: Ohio University's anti-drug policy covers all illegal drugs, including marijuana, and additionally applies to the misuse of prescription drugs and the possession of drug-related paraphernalia.
It's important to note that while these five offenses are the most serious, any Code violation can lead to suspension or dismissal. The fact is that even a warning can have long-term consequences on your academic and professional careers if it appears on your transcript.
This is why they moment you're accused—the moment you think you might be accused—it's crucial that you contact the Lento Law Firm. Only we can ensure you're treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case.
Ohio University Justice
You can defend yourself from a disciplinary misconduct charge. In fact, Ohio University's own policies provide you with important rights for building your defense. Just as in the criminal justice system, for instance, you are entitled to a presumption of "not responsible" (innocence).
It can be tricky to navigate the disciplinary system, though.
Here's what you can expect.
- Any member of the Ohio University community can lodge a complaint against you. However, the Director of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility (CSSR) must decide that a complaint is credible before issuing formal charges.
- The university must apprise you of any charges against you. The notification must include an explanation of the allegations and a list of all your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are entitled to a support person and to choose an attorney to serve in this role. Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent" you the way they would in a criminal or civil trial. However, they can work with you to build your defense.
- While the Code does not mention an investigative process, the CSSR must conduct some type of investigation. Without substantiating evidence, the university cannot proceed against you. As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. Further, you are entitled to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- The Director then decides whether to assign your case to a Hearing Officer or to a full University Hearing Board.
- In either case, the hearing provides you the opportunity to make the case for your innocence or to otherwise explain your actions. As part of the process, you are allowed to introduce physical evidence and to call witnesses to testify. You should also have a chance to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- The Hearing Authority then determines your level of responsibility (guilt) based on the legal standard "preponderance of the evidence." According to this standard, they must find you responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- As part of your due process rights, you are also allowed to appeal the hearing outcome if you feel you were denied a fair opportunity to make your case. Grounds for appeal can include a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
What can your Lento Law Firm attorney do for you during this process?
- Work with you to uncover evidence;
- Coach you in responding to investigative questions;
- Review the evidence with you;
- Outline your defensive strategy;
- Draft your hearing presentation;
- Suggest questions for witnesses;
- Give you practice in presenting your case;
- File any necessary appeals.
Your attorney's most important job, though, is always to look out for your interests and make sure the university respects your rights. We know how to negotiate when necessary, but we can also be fierce when it comes to protecting our clients.
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.
