You didn't get into the College of William & Mary because of your looks. You worked hard day in and day out to make it here. You're still working hard. You're in class every day, you spend all your free time studying, and you've signed up for every student organization you can think of to help fill out your resume.
A single disciplinary misconduct charge can undo all of that, even if you're entirely innocent. Misunderstandings happen. Unfortunately, false allegations sometimes happen. And even if you did make a mistake, it doesn't mean you deserve to lose your spot at William & Mary.
The Lento Law Firm wants to make sure you don't. No matter the situation, our Student Defense Team is on your side and ready to fight for your rights. We've worked with hundreds of students over the years, defending them from all types of charges. We know how the College of William & Mary operates, and we'll bring every possible resource to bear to get you a fair and just resolution.
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.
Standards of Conduct at the College of William & Mary
What is the best way to avoid a disciplinary misconduct charge at William & Mary? Don't commit any disciplinary misconduct. Yes, things can go wrong despite your best efforts, but you want to make your best effort to ensure they don't.
That starts with familiarizing yourself with the school's Student Code of Conduct. Easier said than done, we know. There are dozens of rules and regulations you're expected to follow. Let's start, though, by focusing on the ones that can get you into the most serious trouble.
- Firearms Possession: Bring any type of weapon to campus—even a BB gun--and you can face serious charges. These days, all colleges and universities take the threat of violence very seriously.
- Drug Possession: “Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution” of drugs from marijuana to LSD are explicitly prohibited at William & Mary.
- Hazing: The college also has a zero-tolerance stance on hazing. You can be charged for any act that endangers the physical or mental health of another member of the campus community for the purposes of initiation into an organization. In fact, even failing to report knowledge you might have of hazing is a violation of the Code.
- Physical Violence: Causing or threatening to cause physical harm to anyone on campus is a serious offense that can result in serious punishments.
Of course, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. William & Mary maintains strictures against everything from disorderly conduct to making unauthorized audio and video recordings. No one can keep all of it straight, but it's important you familiarize yourself with the major principles of the Code.
The Code also describes the range of sanctions William & Mary can impose for violations. These can range from warnings and probation to loss of privileges, suspension, and outright dismissal. The college does not prescribe specific penalties for specific offenses, preferring instead to tailor sanctions to the context of violations. However, any violation is subject to any level of punishment.
In addition, it's worth noting that even a warning for disciplinary misconduct can have long-term effects on your career if it should show up on your permanent record. Employers take a dim view of misbehavior, and no matter your credentials, you risk being passed over for candidates whose records are clean. You cannot afford to take any allegation lightly.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The College of William & Mary cannot simply accuse you and punish you. You have some important due process rights as a student. You're entitled, for example, to the presumption of innocence ("not responsible). The college must come up with evidence to substantiate any allegations against you, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to that evidence at a formal hearing.
- Cases typically begin when someone lodges a complaint against you with the Division of Student Affairs. A Case Administrator must then determine whether the complaint is credible.
- If the Case Administrator decides to proceed with charges, they will issue formal notice of those charges. This notice should explain the allegations and contain a complete list of your due process rights.
- One of your rights is the right to a “silent supporter.” Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak on your behalf. However, they can be on hand during all proceedings to help you respond to questions and present your defense.
- You can expect the Division of Student Affairs to conduct some type of investigation. The university must have evidence to proceed to a hearing. As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit a full report of their findings. This becomes the foundation of the hearing that follows. The Division of Student Affairs then sets a time and date for this hearing and appoints an administrative decision-maker or a panel of decision-makers to preside.
- The hearing gives both sides of the case an opportunity to offer arguments, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. Both sides also have the right to raise questions about evidence and to cross-examine witnesses.
- The legal standard employed in all William & Mary cases is “the preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, you are guilty if decision-makers decide it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Should you lose your hearing, you also have the right to appeal your case. However, you must have clear grounds for your appeal, such as a procedural error, a new piece of evidence to present, or a disproportionate sanction.
Despite the fact that your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you during the process, they can play a vital role in helping you organize your defense. For example, they'll work with you to uncover evidence and map out your strongest arguments. They'll make sure you're prepared to answer investigative questions. They'll suggest questions for witnesses and help you prepare evidence. Along the way, they'll safeguard your due process rights and make sure 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.
