You never want to try to respond to disciplinary misconduct charges by yourself. Campus judicial procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate, and sanctions can be severe. If you're entirely innocent of the charges, you cannot expect that fact to save you. Once the University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus begins an investigation, you cannot be sure what kind of evidence it may uncover or how investigators may decide to use that evidence. On the other hand, if you did make some sort of mistake, you need someone to ensure you're treated fairly and that the university doesn't impose an unreasonable sanction.
One way or another, you need a professional in your corner. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student representation. Our Student Defense Team understands what you're up against, and we understand just what's at stake. You can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to protect your rights and ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
First, though, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686 to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Part of the problem of avoiding a misconduct charge at the University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus is that there are just so many rules and regulations. The Student Code of Conduct lists dozens of offenses, any one of which can get you into trouble. Of course, not all offenses are created equal, and while it's useful to review the entire Code, you want to pay particular attention to those offenses that can lead to the most serious sanctions, such as suspension and dismissal.
- Drug Use and Possession: In addition to drug use and possession, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus also prohibits drug manufacture, distribution, buying, and selling. Even possession of drug paraphernalia can result in a charge.
- Physical Abuse: Like any other community, the University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus has an obligation to protect its members from harm. The Code prohibits acts that cause harm and acts that could reasonably be expected to cause harm.
- Weapons Possession: To further protect students, the university also bars the use, storage, and possession of firearms, explosive devices, ammunition, and any other device that might “threaten, harm, or disrupt” the campus community. This extends to items like firecrackers, BB guns, knives, and even water guns.
- Hazing: In addition, the university bars hazing activities. In addition to a prohibition on any act that might cause physical harm to initiates, the Code prohibits acts that might cause psychological or emotional harm.
- Sexual Misconduct: Finally, under Title IX, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus is required to maintain a strict policy against all forms of sexual misconduct, from verbal harassment to dating violence and rape.
Violation of any one of these policies can result in suspension or dismissal. Keep in mind that suspension and dismissal also include a transcript notation about the nature of your offense. Such a notation can keep you from enrolling anywhere else, meaning a responsible (guilty) finding at the University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus could mean the end of your academic career altogether.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Whether you've been accused of a minor or major offense, you have the right to defend yourself. The University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus cannot simply accuse you of misconduct and impose a sanction, even a warning. You are entitled, for instance, to a presumption of innocence ("not responsible"). The university must have evidence to substantiate any charges against you, and it must give you the opportunity to challenge that evidence at a hearing.
- Anyone at the university can lodge a complaint against you with the Office of Student Conduct—students, faculty, administrators, staff, and security personnel.
- However, you are entitled to notice of any charges filed against you. This notice must describe the complaint so you understand what you're supposed to have done, and it must contain a list of your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you're entitled to an advisor, who may be an attorney. Your Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you, but they can be with you from the moment you're charged to help you respond to questions and present your defense.
- Once you've been charged, the university moves into the investigative phase of the case. You can expect investigators to invite you to give your side of the story. They'll also interview any complainants (accusers) and witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- When the investigation is complete, investigators submit their findings to the Office of Student Conduct, which sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Your case may be heard by one or more decision-makers. You'll have the chance to offer arguments in defense of your innocence, to present evidence, and to call witnesses to testify. In addition, you're entitled to raise questions about any evidence used against you, including witness testimony.
- All misconduct cases at the University of Cincinnatii-Main Campus are decided using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, decision-makers must find you “guilty” if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed an offense.
- Even if you're found responsible for an offense, you can still appeal that finding. You must have grounds for such an appeal, though, such as a procedural error, a new piece of evidence to present, or a disproportionate sanction.
Your Lento Law Firm is always on your side and ready to fight for your rights. We cannot speak for you, but we can make sure you're ready to speak for yourself, from helping you uncover evidence to drafting your hearing presentation.
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.
