Let's be clear right from the start. If you're accused of disciplinary misconduct at UCLA—any disciplinary misconduct—you must take it seriously. It doesn't matter if it's a minor allegation of trespassing and the Dean is talking about a minimal sanction like suspension of privileges. Even a warning can have long-term consequences if it should wind up on your permanent record. The thing is, most employers will overlook a low grade or two. If they think you're a disciplinary risk, though, they'll move on to the next candidate.
What does it mean to take an accusation seriously? It means you need to know exactly what you've been accused of doing. It means you need to understand the UCLA judicial system inside and out. Even that won't be enough, though. If you really want to protect yourself and your future, you need the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We've helped hundreds of students, defending them from every conceivable type of misconduct charge. We understand the UCLA judicial system, and we can walk you through the entire process from the moment you're charged until your last appeal is exhausted. Whatever the situation, whether you're entirely innocent or you made some kind of mistake, we can ensure you're treated fairly.
To find out more, contact the Lento Law Firm today. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at UCLA
UCLA's rules and regulations are all contained in the university's Student Conduct Code. The list of offenses is long—too long to include here—but it is worth remembering some of the most significant.
- Underage Drinking: If it's a law, you can expect UCLA to have a rule against it. In fact, the university even has a rule against violating the law. Obviously, it's illegal to consume alcohol if you are under 21, so it's also contrary to school policy.
- Drug Possession: Don't bother making arguments about marijuana and California state law. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, which means UCLA will charge you for manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, and use.
- Hazing: California's hazing law is relatively new, but UCLA has zero tolerance for this offense.
- All weapons and weapon replicas are barred from campus.
- Violence: Any type of violence or the threat of violence can get you into serious trouble at UCLA.
Of course, there are a host of other offenses, from simple theft to “computer misuse.” As you might expect, UCLA utilizes a range of punishments for offenses, depending on both their seriousness and context. The last several years, however, have seen a great deal of inflation in how rule violations are treated, and even minor offenses are frequently subject to suspension and dismissal.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
The good news is that you are always entitled to due process. What that means is that whatever the charges, UCLA is obligated to treat you as “Not Responsible” until you are proven “Responsible.” It can only determine you are “Responsible” with concrete evidence, and it must give you an opportunity to refute that evidence at some sort of hearing.
The nature of these processes can depend on the seriousness of the offense, but in general, here's what you can expect.
- Cases typically begin with a complaint lodged with the Office of Student Conduct (OSC).
- If UCLA decides to charge you, you must be issued notice of those charges. This notice should describe the nature of the allegations and contain a complete list of your due process rights.
- You have several rights, including the right to review all the evidence in the case and the right to advance notice of any meetings or proceedings. You also have the right to an advisor. The Lento Law Firm attorney can be on hand to guide you through the process, one step at a time.
- Whatever the allegations, you can expect the university to conduct some type of investigation in an effort to either substantiate or refute the charges. You have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence of your innocence, and to suggest witnesses to be interviewed.
- Investigators submit a full written report of their findings at the end of the investigation. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing before the Student Conduct Committee.
- Hearings are similar in structure to criminal court cases. Both sides offer arguments and support those arguments with evidence, including witness testimony. Both sides also have a chance to raise questions about evidence and cross-examine witnesses against them.
- Unlike criminal court cases, however, campus hearings use a lesser standard to determine guilt. "Preponderance of evidence" means you are guilty if it seems "more likely than not" that you committed the offense.
- Finally, you can appeal your case if you can prove you were mistreated in some way during the process. Grounds for appeal usually include issues such as a deviation from standard procedure, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Unfortunately, the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent" you at the hearing or during investigative meetings. You must speak for yourself and conduct your own defense. However, they can be with you at every step, helping you to answer questions, coaching you in presenting your case, and ensuring you're treated fairly. They can work with you to develop your central arguments, help you uncover evidence, suggest questions for witnesses, and draft documents on your behalf.
Fighting for Your Future
Don't risk your academic future by trying to handle a disciplinary misconduct charge yourself. Processes and procedures are complex and difficult to navigate. 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.
