You came to the University of Iowa to study, and you can be sure the university will hold you to that. You're also a member of a community, though, and the university expects you to behave as an upright citizen of that community. In fact, while you can fail a few classes at UI and still graduate, a single instance of disciplinary misconduct can be enough to lead to dismissal.
Whether you're entirely innocent of the disciplinary misconduct charges against you or you did make some sort of mistake, it's important you take all allegations seriously. That means finding the best help you can. The University of Iowa allows students legal representation. Make the most of this right by hiring someone from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We're defense attorneys, but we're focused on student misconduct cases. We know what the law has to say about students; we also know how the University of Iowa's judicial process operates. We'll use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible result.
We've helped hundreds of students fight charges their schools have leveled against them. We can help you to do the same. Call 888-535-3686 to find what we can do, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
The University of Iowa Code of Conduct
You'll find all the university's rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Student Life. It's a long list, with categories of offense that include everything from “interference with university operations” to “Behavior Endangering Health or Safety.”
We recommend reviewing the entire Code. Here, we concentrate on those offenses that the university generally takes most seriously.
- Assaultive Behavior: Almost all of the UI's most serious offenses have to do with the harm you might potentially do to others. At the heart of the list is a prohibition on assaultive behavior. The university defines this as making physical contact with another person through striking, slapping, hitting, punching, shoving, or kicking. Note that the threat of violence is an offense as well.
- Weapons Possession: UI allows “high-voltage pulse weapons (tasers) in some locations on campus. In addition, students have the right under Iowa law to store firearms in their cars. Otherwise, however, the university bars all possession and use of firearms and other weapons.
- Hazing: Harm to others is also prohibited in relation to organization initiation, or “hazing.” This includes all types of physical and mental harm, harassment, ridicule, and embarrassment. Keep in mind as well that you can be charged whether or not you actually cause such harm. Endangerment is enough to trigger an investigation.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of harm is actually prohibited under Title IX, a federal law. The government requires the university to investigate all credible complaints and encourages the use of harsh penalties.
- Drug Possession: The University of Iowa's anti-drug process is substantial, barring consumption, possession, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs. You can also be charged for misusing prescription drugs and even for possession of drug "paraphernalia."
Any of these five offenses can lead to suspension or dismissal. In fact, under the right circumstances, any code violation could result in these sanctions. This is one reason why it's so important to have a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. There is simply too much at risk to try to handle a misconduct allegation by yourself.
Judicial Processes and Procedures at the University of Iowa
The stakes are high, but you do have some important protections. You are entitled to what's known as due process, starting with the right to a presumption of innocence. The university must have evidence to substantiate any charges against you, and it must give you the chance to respond to this evidence.
- All complaints are handled by the Office of Student Accountability (OSA). Anyone may make such a complaint, but the OSA must decide the complaint is credible before issuing a formal charge.
- You have the right to notice of any charges against you. Notice should explain those charges and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- Of special note, you have the right to an advisor and to choose an attorney to serve in this role. Your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, but they can accompany you to official proceedings and offer advice as you present your case.
- Next, OSA conducts an investigation. As part of that investigation, you may be required to attend official meetings. This is your chance, though, to give your side of the story, to present evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to pursue.
- When the investigation is complete, the investigator has the power to dismiss the case or to assign low-level sanctions. Decisions are based on the "preponderance of the evidence" standard. You are guilty ("responsible") if it seems "more likely than not" that you committed the offense.
- If the potential sanction is suspension or dismissal, you have the right to meet with the Associate Dean, Accountability and Care. At this time, you may offer evidence. Again, cases are decided based on the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard.
- In any case, you have the right to appeal the outcome if you can demonstrate that you were denied a fair opportunity to present your case. This might include a procedural error, the discovery of a new piece of evidence, or an argument about the severity of the sanction.
In addition to accompanying you to meetings and other proceedings, your Lento Law Firm will help you to prepare your entire case, from collecting evidence to coaching you in responding to investigators and from drafting your hearing presentation to suggesting questions for witnesses. We are always on your side, and we'll make certain 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.
