Anyone can find themselves accused of disciplinary misconduct at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the Dean’s List every semester or the president of the student body. We all make mistakes. Misunderstandings happen. False allegations sometimes happen.

The question is how you’re going to deal with an allegation. Navigating a college’s bureaucracy is never easy, but it can feel almost impossible if you’ve been charged with an offense. The slightest misstep during the investigation can make the difference between success and failure. Ask a witness the wrong question during your hearing, and you could be looking for a new school to attend.

You should never try to mount a defense on your own. You don’t have to. The LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team was founded specifically to protect student rights, and we’re always on your side, no matter what the situation. We know what you’re up against, and we understand the stakes in a way other attorneys don’t. We’re also familiar with John Jay processes and procedures, and we can show you how to use them to your benefit.

First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help with your case. Or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.

Defining Misconduct

Generally speaking, disciplinary misconduct includes any action that could cause harm to others or disrupt the normal operations of the college. As a CUNY school, John Jay subscribes to the Henderson Rules, a set of regulations passed by the New York Board of Higher Education to maintain public order. The Rules include prohibitions against,

  • Obstruction

  • Failure to comply with lawful directives

  • Unauthorized occupancy

  • Theft or damage to property

  • Preventing the exercise of free speech

  • Unauthorized presence on campus

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Weapons possession

  • Hazing

  • Manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs

  • Unlawful use, possession, or distribution of alcohol

As you might expect, some offenses carry stiffer penalties than others. Hazing, for example, can get a school featured on CNN, so it is taken especially seriously. Any physical harm you do to others is likely to lead to suspension or dismissal. Sexual misconduct is actually governed by federal law under Title IX, and the government encourages schools to impose harsh penalties on anyone found responsible for (guilty of) such an offense.

Keep in mind, though, that any offense can have long-term consequences for you if it appears on your transcript. Even a warning for trespassing can interfere with your financial aid, keep you out of graduate school, or limit your job opportunities coming out of college.

There’s simply too much on the line to try defending yourself. In fact, most attorneys aren’t equipped to handle student misconduct allegations. We are. The LLF National Law Firm works extensively in this field, and we’ve worked with hundreds of students just like you, protecting them from every conceivable type of misconduct charge. The moment you find yourself in trouble at John Jay, it’s crucial that you contact us. We can begin building your defense immediately and make sure you’re treated fairly from the very beginning of your case.

What to Expect From the Disciplinary Misconduct Process

Just as in the criminal justice system, you have the right to due process any time you’re accused of an offense at John Jay. First and foremost, you’re entitled to the presumption of innocence (“non-responsibility”). Without concrete evidence, the college can’t find you responsible for an offense or impose any sanctions in your case. In addition, administrators must follow a clear protocol in conducting investigations and hearings.

  • Anyone can accuse you of violating the Henderson Rules—other students, faculty, administrators, staff, security personnel. However, only the school’s Chief Conduct Officer can determine that an accusation warrants an official charge.

  • If you’ve been charged, the Conduct Officer must supply you with notice of the charges. This notice should identify your accuser, describe the nature of the allegations against you, and apprise you of all your due process rights.

  • The Conduct Officer then initiates an investigation. The college cannot proceed against you with evidence to substantiate the charges. You have the right to provide investigators with evidence and suggest witnesses. In addition, investigators must keep you informed about all evidence they uncover in your case.

  • Once the investigation is complete, the case moves to a hearing phase. All hearings take place before the Faculty-Student Disciplinary Committee.

  • At the hearing, both sides have an opportunity to make their cases with physical evidence and witness testimony. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.

  • At the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee must determine your level of responsibility. To do this, it employs a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, you are guilty if Committee members are more than fifty percent convinced by the evidence.

  • You can appeal a “responsible” hearing outcome, but you must have clear “grounds” to do so. This usually means the college committed some procedural error, you’ve uncovered new evidence in the case, or you can prove that the sanction you’ve been given is grossly disproportionate to the nature of your offense.

Under most circumstances, John Jay is on your side. The college doesn’t just educate you; it feeds you and houses you. It helps you get a job once you’ve graduated. It’s your home away from home. If you’re facing a charge, you need someone in your corner, looking out for your interests and protecting your rights. The LLF National Law Firm is dedicated to getting you the best possible resolution to your case.

Trust the LLF National Law Firm

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 LLF National 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 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 LLF National Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. Or, fill out our online questionnaire.

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