Like any other community, a university community must protect its members from harm. To that end, Texas State University (TSU) maintains a Student Code of Conduct that prohibits disciplinary misconduct from underage drinking to trespassing and vandalism. Violate a rule, and you're subject to sanctions up to and including suspension and dismissal.
If you should find yourself charged with an offense—any offense—it's important you contact the Lento Law Firm immediately to find out how we can help. It's no exaggeration to say that your academic future might be at stake, and campus judicial procedures are never easy to navigate. You need someone on your side who understands how justice works, someone who can protect your rights and ensure you get a fair resolution to your case.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of students just like you protect themselves from all types of disciplinary misconduct allegations. We understand what you're up against, and we'll use every resource at our disposal to safeguard your future.
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 Texas State University
TSU's Code of Conduct contains dozens of rules and regulations, and we couldn't possibly cover them all here. So instead, we offer this list of the most serious offenses at the university. These are the offenses that are most likely to result in sanctions like suspension and dismissal.
- Endangerment: TSU's Code actually contains several rules that address the issue of violence. As a starting point, students are prohibited from endangering anyone's physical or mental health or from harming others either intentionally or through recklessness. A separate regulation prohibits “endangering the health or safety of other persons.” There's a rule against harassment, threats, and bullying, and there's a rule against “life-threatening gestures.”
- Weapons Possession: There's also a rule against weapons possession on campus. Given the current political climate in Texas, TSU doesn't outright bar all weapons, but it does prohibit any unauthorized possession or use of firearms, knives, and explosives.
- Hazing: Hazing involves endangering another student's mental or physical health in association with initiation activities.
- Sexual Misconduct: All colleges and universities are required under Title IX, a federal law, to investigate credible complaints of sexual misconduct. Additionally, the government encourages schools to implement severe sanctions for those found responsible for (guilty of) offenses.
- Drug Possession: In addition to possession, TSU outlaws the use, sale, and distribution of any illegal drug or controlled substance.
Any Code violation can potentially lead to suspension or dismissal. These five offenses almost always lead to those outcomes. Keep in mind as well that suspension and expulsion including a transcript notation about your offense. That can ensure you won't be transferring somewhere else. And even if you do manage to graduate from TSU, it will likely follow you around for your entire professional career.
This is one reason why you need the Lento Law Firm attorney. We understand the stakes, and we'll use every resource at our disposal to protect you.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
As strict and extensive as TSU's Student Code of Conduct is, that same Code also grants you some important rights. You're entitled to something called due process any time you're accused of an offense. In simple terms, that means the university needs concrete evidence to find you responsible for (guilty of) any offense, and it must provide you with the opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing.
Here's how things typically work.
- All disciplinary misconduct allegations are under the jurisdiction of the Dean of Students. This official reviews all complaints to decide whether they are credible enough to warrant investigation.
- If the Dean decides to charge you, they must provide you with notice of those charges. As part of that notice, you should be told exactly what you've been accused of doing and apprised of all your due process rights.
- TSU allows you to select a “representative.” This means the Lento Law Firm attorney can be on hand from the very beginning of your case to offer advice and help you answer questions.
- The Dean appoints an investigator to uncover the facts of the case. You have a right to give your side of the story to these investigators, to offer evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- Once investigators have completed their work, they submit a report to the Dean, who sets a time and date for a hearing. You also have a right to review this material before the hearing.
- The hearing is your best opportunity to make your full case. You may present physical evidence and call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- A Hearing Officer presides over all cases. This Officer determines your responsibility (guilt) using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, you are guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced you're guilty.
- Finally, though, you also have a right to appeal a responsible outcome. To do so, you must have "grounds," such as an allegation of a procedural mistake, new evidence to present, or an argument about the severity of your sanction.
TSU requires all students to speak for themselves both during investigative interviews and the hearing. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent" you the way they would during a criminal trial. That said, your attorney can play a vital role in constructing and delivering your defense. It's their job, for instance, to uncover evidence supporting your innocence. The Lento Law Firm attorney will coach you in how to respond to investigators, outline your hearing presentation, and draft any appeals. Along the way, they'll be at your side to offer advice and to ensure the university respects your 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.
