Going through the disciplinary action process at Florida International University (FIU) is emotionally exhausting. You've been through the wringer. Less than two weeks ago, you likely went through the excruciating hearing process. Now, you have the decision letter in front of you, and things have not gone according to plan. Likely, you're facing probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Maybe you are innocent, and you thought you would be able to show FIU officials the truth at your hearing. Or maybe you didn't understand just how seriously FIU would take your misconduct. It's also possible FIU officials didn't make you aware of your rights and told you that you were allowed to seek guidance or counsel during the process. No matter how you got here, you are facing serious consequences. Fortunately, you may have the right to appeal your case.
Don't settle for FIU's decision without fighting back; this doesn't have to be the end of the road. We know you feel overwhelmed and scared about your future, but you don't have to do this alone. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team will review your case and look for a basis for an appeal. While FIU officials may have made it seem like the decision is final, that isn't necessarily the case. FIU would rather you silently accept your sanctions than hear your argument that it made a mistake.
Even if you don't think your case is eligible for appeal, contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team has boots on the ground, appealing university disciplinary actions all the time. We know how to find grounds for appeal and how the system really works. Let us help you; call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
Appeal Eligibility
An appeal isn't a do-over of your case. You can only appeal your cases if you have a basis for appeal. You may think you are eligible but aren't, or vice versa. That's why you need the guidance of your Lento Law Firm attorney. Making the argument that you meet the criteria and providing the correct documentation isn't simple. You have the burden of proving that you meet one of the grounds for appeal. Your case won't even be heard if the Appellate Officer doesn't think you have met these grounds.
When you file your disciplinary appeal at FIU, it must be based on one of three grounds. The first is that your rights were violated during the disciplinary action process, which substantially impacted your hearing outcome. There is a good chance that, as a student, you aren't familiar with all of your rights. FIU likely didn't go out of its well to tell you in detail either. When your Lento Law Firm attorney reviews your case file, they will flag any potential violations and let you know if you can appeal.
The second ground for appeal is if new information is available that was not at the time of the hearing. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will need to prove that this new information could have substantially impacted the outcome of our case for a successful appeal on this basis.
The last basis for appeal is that the severity of the sanction is disproportionate to the nature of the charges against you. This essentially means the punishment didn't fit the crime. This can be a strong ground for appeal, especially if you are facing expulsion. If FIU is imposing a sanction that will alter the course of your academic career and life, it better be able to justify it.
If you are unsure if you qualify for an appeal, the Lento Law Firm can help. Strategizing appeals is our job. Let us advise you on the best course of action to reduce the sanctions against you.
Appeal Process
Your appeal is a written document that requires making a strong argument for the grounds of your appeal and providing relevant information and documentation to support your case. You have no time to wait when it comes to filing an appeal. FIU requires you to submit a written appeal within seven business days of receiving your decision letter. If you miss this deadline, the sanctions against you will become a final action.
You aren't an expert in university disciplinary actions, so you shouldn't be drafting this appeal. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is well-versed in everything needed for your appeal and will handle it. Retaining the Lento Law Firm as soon as you receive your decision letter is your best chance of having a successful appeal. We want as many of those seven business days as possible to prepare a strong case on your behalf.
Once you submit your appeal, the Appellate Officer will assess whether there are sufficient grounds for appeal. If not, they will deny the appeal, and the original sanction will become final. If so, they will review your appeal. The Appellate Officer has 21 business days from receiving your appeal to provide you with a written decision.
If the grounds for your appeal were that the sanctions were too severe, the sanctions would be modified. When you have proved a violation of your rights, procedural error, or new information on appeal, the Appellate Officer will order a new hearing. If you are given a new hearing, your Lento Law Firm will thoroughly prepare you. This time, you will have the best defense and a fair shot at clearing your name.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Today
If you're facing serious sanctions at FIU, you need professional assistance from the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. You can't let a mistake or misunderstanding derail your education and future. If you have grounds for appeal, your Lento Law Firm attorney will fight tirelessly to get you back at FIU with your sanctions reduced or eliminated. Contact our Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
