If you've been at the University of Texas-San Antonio for more than a minute, you know just how seriously the school takes disciplinary misconduct. You're monitored everywhere you go, all day long, and the smallest infraction can lead to a full-on investigation. Even minor offenses can sometimes lead to serious sanctions. In short, you've got to maintain high standards of personal behavior, and you have to take any and all allegations of misbehavior seriously.
What does taking an allegation seriously mean? It means you need to be familiar with UTSA's Student Code of Conduct. That can keep you from making a mistake, but it can also be crucial in defending yourself from any charges. Likewise, you need to understand how UTSA's judicial processes and procedures work so you'll be prepared for anything as the investigation and hearing unfold. Most importantly, you need to make sure you have the right help. You can't hope to face down an entire university on your own.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side, no matter what the situation. We understand what you're up against, and we're ready to fight right alongside you. We're familiar with UTSA rules and regulations, and we know how to use the system to your advantage.
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.
UTSA's Student Code of Conduct
We mentioned UTSA's Student Code of Conduct. That's the rule book for campus, a list of prohibitions against everything from misuse of computer resources to underage drinking. There are dozens of rules, more than we have time to get into here. We do want to take the time, though, to highlight the most serious offenses in the Code. These are the offenses that can get you into the most trouble and result in the worst sanctions.
- Physical Abuse: No community can long survive if it cannot protect its members from physical harm. UTSA's policy is so strict that it bars unwanted physical contact of any kind as well as any behavior that "threatens or endangers the health or safety of any persons" on campus.
- Weapons Possession: In accordance with Texas state law, UTSA maintains a campus carry policy. However, the university has a number of designated "exclusionary zones" where firearms are entirely prohibited. In addition, any illegal possession of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, and other weapons is explicitly outlawed.
- Hazing: In recent years, colleges and universities across the country have begun to take a zero-tolerance stance towards hazing activities. Any initiation conduct that endangers a student's physical, mental, or emotional health qualifies as a violation of university rules.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of misconduct is governed by Title IX, a federal law. Like all schools, UTSA is required to investigate credible complaints, and it is encouraged to issue harsh penalties to those found responsible for (guilty of) offenses.
- Drug Possession: UTSA bars the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of illegal drugs. Further, the Code prohibits the possession of drug paraphernalia.
Any violation of the Code can lead to suspension or dismissal. These five offenses almost always lead to these outcomes. Any time your academic future is on the line, you need to make sure you have the Lento Law Firm attorney in your corner. We are the premier student defense firm in the country, and we're your very best chance of salvaging your UTSA career.
The Judicial Process at UTSA
The Code doesn't just outline your responsibilities as a UTSA student. It also identifies your rights. Any time you stand accused of a disciplinary misconduct offense, you are entitled to due process. That means a presumption of innocence ("Not Responsible"). It means the university cannot proceed against you without concrete evidence, and it cannot impose a sanction without allowing you to challenge that evidence at a full and formal hearing.
Here's how the process works.
- Disciplinary misconduct is under the purview of Student Conduct and Community Standards. This office receives all complaints, and it coordinates all cases.
- If you have been officially charged with a Code violation, Student Conduct supplies you with written notice of those charges. That notice should explain the allegations and contain a list of all your due process rights.
- From the moment you are charged, you have the right to an advisor of your choice. That means the Lento Law Firm attorney can begin consulting on your case immediately and can accompany you to any investigative meetings.
- Investigators should give you a chance to give your side of the story. At this point, you can also submit evidence and suggest witnesses for them to interview. Throughout the investigation, you have the right to review any evidence they might uncover.
- Once the investigation is complete, the case moves into the adjudication phase. Student Conduct appoints a Hearing Officer to oversee proceedings.
- The hearing is your best opportunity to argue for your innocence or to otherwise explain your actions. Both sides are allowed to offer evidence, including witness testimony. Both sides also get to raise questions about evidence, including witness testimony.
- Hearing Officers are required to base their decisions on the “preponderance of evidence” in the case. In simple terms, you are guilty (“Responsible”) if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Your last due process right is the right to appeal the hearing outcome if you can demonstrate that you were denied a fair opportunity to make your case. Grounds for appeal typically include procedural error, new evidence, or disproportionate sanctions.
It's important you know that the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you. During investigative meetings and hearings, they are only on hand to serve as "advisors." However, there are no limits on their ability to prepare you for the investigation and hearing.
Your attorney can conduct their own investigation, help you identify your strongest arguments, and coach you in responding to investigators' questions. They can draft your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and file an appeal if it becomes necessary. By far, their most important job, though, is to monitor your case and ensure you're treated fairly. You deserve justice. It's your attorney's job to make sure you get it.
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.
