You're a Yale University student, so you probably assume you don't have any time to get into trouble over the next four to five years. You might be surprised, though. Yes, you've got a lot on your hands between getting to class, studying, and writing papers. Even so, you can never tell when a false allegation of misconduct might come your way. Maybe you'll wind up the victim of some sort of misunderstanding. Or maybe all that studying will finally get to you, and you'll snap and do something you later regret.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm believes you deserve fair treatment and every possible opportunity to earn your degree. That's not just something we believe, either. Our Student Defense Team was specifically created to protect students—to fight for their rights. We know the law, we're familiar with all of Yale's judicial processes and procedures, and we're ready to fight right alongside you to safeguard your academic and professional futures.
For more information, or to find out what we can do for you, call 888-535-3686 today, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Standards of Conduct at Yale University
Yale doesn't bother addressing a lot of common misconduct offenses like theft, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and destruction of property. Instead, the Undergraduate Regulations focus on the most egregious offenses college students can be accused of committing.
- Acts of Violence: Yale takes its obligation to protect students from harm seriously. Note that this prohibition applies even if the person subjected to the violence “consents.”
- Sexual Misconduct: Like all other colleges and universities, Yale is required by Title IX to prevent sexual discrimination and harassment on campus. Even when Title IX doesn't apply, however, the university is committed to protecting students from all forms of sexual misconduct.
- Harassment: Beyond the protection federal law gives to protected groups, Yale bars any type of harassment against another person.
- Weapons and Explosives: Given the violence that has taken place on college campuses over the last two decades, it's no surprise that Yale maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards firearms.
- Underage Drinking: No school is going to flout the law. Underage drinking is illegal, and Yale's own policy reflects that fact.
- Drug Possession: Likewise, the university prohibits the purchase, distribution, and possession of illegal drugs.
Of course, Yale doesn't just give you a pass for those more common offenses. In fact, the Undergraduate Regulations begins by stating that the offenses it lists are just a few of the offenses with which you can be charged. You can expect, however, that the listed offenses are likely to bring the most severe sanctions, such as suspension and dismissal.
Finally, though, keep in mind that no offense, no matter how minor and no matter how insignificant the punishment might seem, is harmless. Even a warning about disciplinary misconduct can cost you graduate school opportunities and job interviews if it should wind up on your permanent record.
Mounting A Defense to Misconduct Accusations
Just as in the real world, you are entitled to due process protections as a Yale University student. While you may stand accused of misconduct, the university must presume you are "Not Responsible" (innocent). It can only sanction you if it can uncover concrete evidence of your offense, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to this evidence at a hearing. Of course, just as in the real world, processes, and procedures can be complex and difficult to navigate. As a result, you're always better off with the Lento Law Firm attorney at your side.
Here's what you can expect.
- Yale's judicial system is ultimately under the authority of the university's Executive Committee. This committee receives all complaints and makes initial decisions as to whether or not to issue formal charges.
- If you are under investigation, the Committee must supply you with a Notice of the Charges. This notice should detail the allegations and contain a list of your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are allowed to select a support person. Further, this support person can be an attorney. This means you are entitled to bring the Lento Law Firm attorney with you to all meetings and proceedings.
- As part of the investigation, you'll have the opportunity to give your side of events. In addition, you can submit evidence and suggest witnesses. Investigators also collect any physical evidence.
- Investigators submit their findings back to the Executive Committee, which sets a time and date for a hearing.
- A Hearing Panel made up of members of the Executive Committee presides over the case. Both sides get to offer up evidence and call witnesses to testify. Both sides also get to raise questions for any witnesses testifying against them.
- One key difference between campus justice and a criminal case is that decisions aren't based on the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard. Instead, the hearing panel uses a lesser standard known as "preponderance of the evidence." If they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt, they must find you Responsible.
- You are entitled to appeal the hearing outcome should you lose your case. However, you must have very specific grounds for such an appeal. Possibilities include
- A procedural error;
- The discovery of new evidence;
- A disproportionate sanction.
To be clear, Yale does not allow attorneys to speak for their clients. You must present your own case at the hearing. However, the Lento Law Firm attorney can work with you to map out that case and coach you in delivering it. They'll accompany you to investigative meetings and advise you on how to answer questions. They'll help you uncover evidence, come up with witness questions, and draft documents. Should you need to appeal your case, they'll go over the hearing record with a fine-toothed comb and help you develop appropriate grounds. Most important of all, though, the Lento Law Firm attorney monitors everything that happens and ensures you're treated fairly and that you get a just resolution.
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.
