No one at Valencia College is immune from a disciplinary misconduct allegation. No matter how bright you may be, no matter how hardworking, you simply can't know when someone may decide to accuse you of an offense. In fact, even innocence won't necessarily protect you. One simple misunderstanding, and you could find yourself facing charges.
Judicial procedures at Valencia College are complex and difficult to navigate. Any time you find yourself in trouble, you need help—the best help you can find. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense. Our Student Defense Team has represented hundreds of students from all types of charges. We know how Valencia College operates, and we are prepared to use every resource at our disposal to ensure you the best possible resolution to your case.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 today to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Valencia College
If you want to avoid a disciplinary misconduct charge at Valencia College, it's important you know the rules. You can find a complete list of those in the college's Student Code of Conduct. It's a long list. There are rules about your internet activity. Here, let's focus on the offenses that can get you into the most trouble, the ones that typically result in the worst sanctions.
- Physical Harm: Like any community, Valencia College is anxious to protect its members. That starts with barring any type of violence. In addition, the Code prohibits “abuse,” whether committed in verbal, written, or electronic form.
- Weapons Possession: The question of whether firearms should be allowed on college campuses remains in flux in Florida. However, Valencia College makes clear that, except as authorized under state law, all weapons are prohibited, including firearms, knives, tasers, explosives, and firebombs.
- Hazing: Hazing represents another type of threat to the student body. In response, Valencia College has outlawed any initiation activity that could potentially result in physical or mental harm to a student.
- Sexual Misconduct: This type of offense is actually prohibited by federal law under Title IX. All colleges and universities must investigate credible complaints, and the government encourages the use of severe penalties.
- Drug Possession: Valencia has outlawed all possession, use, distribution, and manufacture of illegal substances. Keep in mind that even where medicinal marijuana is authorized by state law, it remains illegal under federal law.
Any offense can lead to suspension or dismissal. These five offenses almost always result in one of these penalties. When so much is at stake—your very academic future, you cannot afford to try and handle the situation by yourself. You need someone in your corner looking out for your rights. No one protects students better than the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Defending yourself starts with understanding Valencia College's judicial processes and procedures. For example, you have some important rights, like the right to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). None of these are much help, though, if you don't know how to use them effectively. For instance,
- Any time someone lodges a complaint against you, the Dean must determine if the complaint is credible before proceeding. This means it is sometimes possible to intervene in a case and prevent an investigation before it gets started.
- The Dean must provide you with official notice of any charges against you. This document can be vital since it includes an explanation of what you're supposed to have done. You have to know what to do with this information, though.
- The university must conduct some sort of investigation. It cannot proceed against you without substantiating evidence. Throughout the process, you have the right to give your side of the story, suggest witnesses, and submit physical evidence.
- Investigators ultimately turn their findings over to the Dean, who sets a time and date for an official hearing. Before that hearing occurs, though, you have the right to review any evidence investigators have uncovered.
- Hearings for minor offenses take place during administrative conferences. If your case is more serious, a full Conduct Board may hear it. In either case, you may present evidence and call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- Decision-makers must use the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” You're likely not familiar with this standard, but it basically says that you're guilty if decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced you are guilty.
- A responsible finding isn't necessarily the end of your case. Even if you lose your hearing, you're entitled to appeal if you can show you were treated unfairly by the process. Grounds for appeal include a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and a disproportionate sanction.
While the Lento Law Firm will be on hand throughout the process to offer advice and help you answer questions, Valencia College requires you to speak for yourself and present your own case. Your attorney cannot “represent” you. They can, however, make sure you are fully prepared to represent yourself.
For instance, your attorney will make sure you're ready to answer any investigative questions you may face. They'll work with you to find evidence of your innocence and to outline your strongest arguments. They'll draft your hearing presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and even give you practice in making your case. Of course, they'll also be with you every step of the way to offer advice and to ensure Valencia treats you 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.
