No one gets through college entirely unscathed. We all make mistakes, but you don't even have to make a mistake to find yourself accused of disciplinary misconduct. The thing is, misunderstandings happen all the time. Unfortunately, false allegations sometimes happen. You have one argument with your roommate, and the next thing you know, you're being investigated for smoking pot in your dorm room.
Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to avoid a disciplinary misconduct charge at the University of North Texas (UNT). The real question is, how are you going to respond?
Whether you made some sort of mistake or you're entirely innocent, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side and ready to help you fight. We've been at this a while, long enough to know how campus judicial processes and procedures work. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges. You can count on us to protect your rights and get you the best possible resolution to your case.
Before we can do any of that, 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 North Texas
One reason it's so hard to stay out of trouble at UNT is that there are just so many rules and regulations. The Code of Student Conduct contains prohibitions against everything from disorderly conduct to "seizing control of a building." Unfortunately, we don't have time to go into the entire Code. So, let's focus here on the offenses that really matter, the ones that come with the most serious sanctions.
- Violence: UNT takes the time in the Code to prohibit virtually every type of violence you can imagine. That includes both "physical abuse" and "fighting." It also includes "threats" of violence, "intimidation," "coercion," and even "verbal abuse."
- Weapons Possession: Weapons possession is a complicated issue on Texas college campuses. The UNT Code makes clear, though, that possession or use of any firearms or explosives must be “authorized.”
- Hazing: Hazing incidents in recent years have led universities to take a hardline stance against such activities. Even if you don't intentionally bring harm to another student during an initiation event, you can be accused of “recklessly” causing harm.
- Sexual Misconduct: Title IX, a federal law, requires all colleges and universities to maintain strict policies against sexual misconduct. UNT investigates all credible complaints, and the minimum sanction for students found responsible is usually suspension.
- Drug Use and Possession: Here again, UNT's policy is fairly inclusive. Not only are you prohibited from the use, possession, distribution, manufacture, and sale of illegal drugs, but you're also prohibited from possession of "precursor" substances, "analogs," and unauthorized legal drugs.
We mentioned these offenses typically bring the most serious sanctions. What kinds of sanctions are we talking about? Obviously, dismissal means the end of your career at UNT and likely the end of your academic career altogether. You can't just transfer your way out of a dismissal. Suspension is almost as serious. Once you're forced to interrupt your studies, it can be tough coming back, and most students never manage to complete their degrees.
Keep in mind, though, that any sanction, even a warning, can have a profound effect on your future. A disciplinary misconduct notation on your transcript can cost you scholarships, internships, graduate school opportunities, and even jobs. No matter what the charges, it's always in your best interest to fight. The Lento Law Firm is here to help.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The Code of Conduct isn't just a list of rules and regulations. As in the real world, you have rights any time you're accused of a campus offense. The Code also explains all the processes and procedures involved in defending yourself and what rights you have to help you do that. As a starting point, you are not “responsible” (innocent) until proven “responsible” (guilty), and UNT cannot prove anything without a thorough investigation and a hearing.
- All disciplinary misconduct cases at UNT are under the jurisdiction of the Dean of Students (DOS). It is ultimately this official's responsibility to decide which complaints warrant official charges.
- The DOS must issue you notice of any charges against you. This notice must include an explanation of any allegations so you know what it is you've been accused of doing. It should also include a list of your due process rights.
- One of your key rights is the right to an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney can't speak for you, but they can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings and offer advice.
- The DOS appoints an investigator to uncover what happened. Investigations are never fun, but they are your first opportunity to give your side of the story. In addition, you are entitled to review any and all evidence that investigators uncover.
- At the conclusion of the investigation, investigators submit their findings to the DOS. The case then moves into its next phase—a hearing.
- Minor cases are typically heard by the DOS or their designee. Major cases wind up before a full Conduct Board. In either case, you offer evidence in support of your innocence, including witness testimony, and you work to undermine any evidence being presented against you.
- Decision-makers in your case then employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to determine whether or not you are responsible for (guilty of) the offense. In simple terms, you're guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced you're guilty.
- You can appeal an unfavorable outcome, but not simply because you disagree with that outcome. You must have grounds for an appeal, such as a procedural error, a new piece of evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Through all of this, you can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to be at your side, keeping a close watch on how you're treated and ensuring you're afforded every right to which you are entitled. Beyond this, though, they'll help you with every aspect of your case, from looking for evidence to suggesting questions for witnesses. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is focused on students, but make no mistake: we're attorneys, and we know how to construct an airtight defense.
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.
