A disciplinary misconduct allegation can ruin a perfectly nice academic career. Think of how hard you worked to get into Southern Methodist University in the first place. Think of how hard you've worked since you got there—how many late nights you've spent studying or writing papers. Think of how much time and money you and your parents have invested in your education.
Here's the thing: you don't even have to have done anything wrong. You could simply be the victim of a misunderstanding. Once SMU starts an investigation, you can't be sure where it might lead. Colleges and universities have become far too strict in their response to allegations and far too harsh in the penalties they impose.
Whether you're entirely innocent or you made a mistake of some sort, the Lento Law Firm is here to protect you. Our Student Defense Team believes you deserve a strong defense and the best possible resolution to your case. We're defense attorneys, but we focus on protecting student rights. We know SMU's rules and regulations and how to navigate the judicial system.
We've helped hundreds of students respond to disciplinary misconduct charges. What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Southern Methodist University
As a starting point, what is it that can get you into trouble at SMU? Knowing how to avoid making a mistake is half the battle. Unfortunately, the university's Student Code of Conduct is lengthy, with prohibitions against everything from theft to misuse of computer resources. We recommend you take the time to read over the entire policy. For now, though, let's focus on the most serious offenses, the ones that typically carry the most serious sanctions.
- Assault: Most of SMU's most serious rules and regulations have to do with protecting the campus community. The prohibition against assault perhaps the heart of the entire Code. Note that this specific regulation mentions “physical abuse, fighting, threats, intimidation, coercion, or any other conduct that threatens or endangers the health, safety, or welfare of any person.” That's pretty inclusive.
- Weapons Possession: While the issue of guns on campus remains a contentious issue in Texas, SMU bars the use and possession of all weapons, including facsimile weapons like water guns. In addition, you can be charged for participating in live-action “pursuit and attack games” like “Gotcha, Assassin, and Dungeons and Dragons.”
- Hazing: Any initiation activity that could potentially cause either physical or mental harm to members of campus is explicitly forbidden.
- Sexual Misconduct: This particular type of violence is actually governed by federal law under Title IX. The government requires colleges and universities to investigate credible complaints and encourages the use of strict sanctions.
- Drug Possession: Here again, SMU's policy is quite inclusive. The university bars possession and use of any "mind-altering substances," including "designer drugs, synthetic drugs, chemicals, and plants.
The minimum penalty for these offenses is usually suspension. Dismissal is also common. The real danger, though, is that you'll wind up with a record of your offense on your transcript. That can interfere with scholarships and internships, keep you out of grad school, and even damage your career prospects. There's simply too much at stake not to contact the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
You have some valuable due process rights any time you're accused of a misconduct violation if you know how to use them effectively. For example, you're entitled to a presumption of innocence ("not responsible"). Here's a rough outline of what you should expect from the process.
- The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards handles all allegations of disciplinary misconduct. If it decides to issue formal charges against you, it will supply you with written notice of those charges. This notice should explain the allegations and include a list of your due process rights.
- Next, SMU undertakes an investigation. It cannot proceed without evidence to substantiate the charges against you. You always have the right to offer your side of the story and provide investigators with evidence of your innocence. In addition, you are entitled to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- After they have completed their work, investigators turn their findings over to a Conduct Officer or a Conduct Board. The Office of Student Conduct then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- At the hearing, you may offer any reasonable argument in defense of your innocence and support those arguments with evidence, including witness testimony. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- Decision-makers in your case are required to employ the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” Under this standard, you are responsible (guilty) if they believe it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- If you're found not responsible, your case is over. If you're found responsible, you still have the option to appeal if you can show you were treated unfairly during the judicial process. Grounds for appeal might include a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or disproportionate sanction.
SMU bars attorneys from attending investigative interviews and hearings. However, they cannot prevent you from consulting with the Lento Law Firm, and we can play a crucial role in your defense even if we're not allowed to step one foot on campus.
For example, it's your attorney's job to help you find evidence and identify your strongest arguments. They'll coach you in responding to investigative questions. They'll outline your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and give you practice in making your case. Finally, you can always count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to pay close attention to what happens and ensure you're treated fairly.
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.
