Being accused of misconduct at Ohio State University is a serious situation. Whether the allegations against you seem minor or serious, you can't afford to brush them off. When you face misconduct accusations, your educational and professional careers are on the line. Understanding the disciplinary action process and obtaining guidance from a qualified student defense attorney is key to getting your future back on track. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has represented countless Ohio State students facing misconduct accusations. Let us help you; call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
Misconduct Allegations at Ohio State
Students face countless misconduct accusations at Ohio State – some more serious than others. If you're facing disciplinary action at Ohio State, you are likely being accused of a Code of Student Conduct and/or Title IX (sexual misconduct) violation. At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team has represented students accused of many types of misconduct, but the most common include:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Fabrication
- Multiple submission (also called self-plagiarism)
- Disrupting university activity
- Endangering the health or safety of others
- Hazing
- Theft
- Property Damage
- Trespassing
- Use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal, controlled, or prescription drugs
- Indecent behavior
- Use of alcohol and/or underage drinking
- Having a weapon on Campus
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
Ohio State Disciplinary Action Process
If you're being accused of misconduct at Ohio State, you have likely received a letter from a hearing officer in the Ohio State Office of Student Life. This is the beginning of the disciplinary action process at Ohio State. The letter should have included notice that you are being investigated for misconduct and requested you contact the office to schedule a preliminary conference.
You should contact the Lento Law Firm immediately if you have received this letter. Ohio State allows students to have an advisor throughout the disciplinary action process. Unlike many other schools, Ohio State allows your advisor to be an attorney. Your best chance at a successful outcome in your case is getting our Student Defense Team on your side from the start.
Your Lento Law Firm attorney will be there with you to prepare you for the preliminary conference. Nothing will be decided at the preliminary conference. The purpose of the meeting is for your hearing officer to explain the disciplinary action process and the incident and talk about what relevant information needs to be collected (witness testimony, video footage, text messages, emails, etc.).
After the preliminary conference, the hearing officer will conduct their investigation and ultimately decide whether or not to issue charges against you. Just because your hearing officer issues charges does not mean you are guilty, and you definitely should not admit to guilt in response to the charges. Charges simply mean the hearing officer is continuing the disciplinary action process. You receive charges from your hearing officer through a Charge and Process Form.
The Charge and Process Form requires a response, but you should never respond without consulting your Lento Law Firm attorney. The form gives you three options:
- Accept responsibility for the accusations and request an Administrative Decision with determined sanctions
- Do not accept responsibility for the accusations and request an Administrative Hearing before a University Hearing Officer (different from the investigation hearing officer)
- Do not accept responsibility for the accusations and request a hearing before the University Conduct Board (a panel made up of four or five students, faculty, and staff)
If you don't respond to the form, the Office of Student Life will automatically schedule an Administrative Hearing for your case. Even if you want an Administrative Hearing in your case, not responding is a bad look, and you don't want to start off on the wrong foot. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will assist you in choosing the best option for your case and represent you at a hearing if necessary.
Title IX Disciplinary Action Process at Ohio State
If you have been accused of a Title IX violation, your case will be handled differently than other misconduct cases at Ohio State. Title IX cases must be handled according to federal law, which makes the process more confusing because Title IX is always changing. Having an attorney who is well-versed in Title IX procedures and abreast of the frequent changes to the law can make all the difference in your case – at the Lento Law Firm; we pride ourselves on doing just that.
While the specific procedures of Title IX cases are complex, here is a rough overview of the process. Title IX cases at Ohio State are addressed by its Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). When you are accused of a Title IX violation, OIE officials and a Title IX Coordinator will review the report and determine what options are available for resolution. They may request you start with the informal resolution process. Both you and the other party involved will need to agree on this process.
If you or the other person won't agree to an informal resolution, or the Title IX Coordinator doesn't offer it as an option, you will go through the formal resolution process. This involves filing an official complaint, the Title IX Coordinator conducting a Title IX investigation, and a hearing where the parties will present evidence for witnesses and argue their case. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will prepare you every step of the way and be present at all interactions between you, the Title IX Coordinator, and other relevant parties. You should never have contact about your case without first consulting your Student Defense Team attorney.
Sanctions and Consequences of Misconduct at Ohio State
Every misconduct case is different, so Hearing Officers and the Student Conduct Board decide sanctions on a case-by-case basis. They don't issue sanctions lightly; both authorities will assess numerous factors when considering sanctions. The Office of Student Conduct states it considers the following factors:
- The nature of the violation
- A student's level of involvement in the violation
- Actual harm caused by the behavior or the potential risk of harm
- The student's intent
- The impact on the community
- The severity and pervasiveness of the behavior
- The student's demonstrated understanding and sincere remorse
- The student's level of cooperation and compliance
- The level of success of prior interventions
When either the Student Conduct Board or Hearing Officer issues sanctions, they may issue educational or disciplinary sanctions. Common educational sanctions include:
- Participation in the Academic Integrity Seminar
- Participation in a drug or alcohol assessment
- Participation in the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students Program
- Participation in the Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students Program
- Completion of educational or reflective assignments
If you are facing disciplinary sanctions, you could be issued the following:
- Written formal reprimand
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
Appealing Ohio State's Disciplinary Sanctions
If you feel the sanctions against you are unjust or Ohio State officials were biased in your case, you may be entitled to a disciplinary appeal. Especially if you haven't been working with an attorney, now is the time to call the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team will review your case and see if you are eligible for an appeal. We have successfully helped countless students get better outcomes on appeal.
Protect Your Future – Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
Don't let a miscommunication or mistake ruin your future at Ohio State and beyond. Retain the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today. To get started, call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
