College is a place to make connections, sharpen your skills, and lay the foundation for your academic and professional aspirations. But along this educational journey, some students are bound to experience major setbacks, some of which that compromise the ultimate goal for college students: graduation. Accusations of serious school policy violations like sexual misconduct and academic misconduct warrant ramifications that will taint your academic record and will make graduating on time or even graduating altogether difficult. For those who value their academic and professional future, retaining an adequate student defense attorney or advisor is crucial.
With over 15 years of experience, Joseph D. Lento has chosen to extend his services to students across the nation. He goes above and beyond to deliver favorable results regardless of where his student clientele resides. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss (1) why you would benefit from his services as a student defense attorney or advisor, and (2) how his nationwide representation has helped countless students achieve favorable outcomes.
The Significant Role of a Student Defense Attorney / Advisor
For students facing daunting charges consisting of actions that could conceivably constitute academic misconduct, sexual misconduct and other serious charges, the sanctions for a finding of responsibility are grim. Yet even in this compromising position, umpteen students and their families still manage to undermine and overlook the value of legal advocacy in their cases. Higher education is a costly and timely investment, and with allegations that could imperil these plans, it's in the best interest of a student to retain a legal professional who can give them a fighting chance.
However, this logical line of reasoning is overshadowed by a precarious dependence on a higher education institution. Most students - especially those who have a genuine belief that they've been falsely accused - buy into the narrative that the school believes their story, and will eventually discover that their version of events is the truth. To merely rely on a school investigation without exerting effort to adequately prepare for your hearing is naive, and will likely lead to an unfavorable outcome. The reality of facing such allegations is that you can't do this alone. The chances of you getting through school processes unscathed are maximized with an experienced attorney on your side.
If you need further convincing, here are a few points that you should consider when contemplating retaining an student-defense attorney or advisor:
An attorney/advisor will hold colleges and universities responsible for inappropriate actions
Although schools uphold an abundance of rules that enforce fairness and equality, sometimes their own actions don't meet these expectations when it comes to the management of school processes. Students oftentimes notice unjust actions carried out by a school in cases involving sexual misconduct, as schools stray from their own guidelines to appease accusers and federal agencies.
Respondents have reported feeling helpless when they endure mistreatment from their school. Alone, they feel as if their objections to a school's misconduct will not be heard, much less corrected. A legal professional, however, has the authority to amplify a student's voice and impede this behavior. By issuing a “litigation hold” letter to institution authorities, schools are essentially warned that legal action can and will be pursued in the event that a student is stripped of his or her entitled rights.
An attorney/advisor will not disclose confidential information
In regard to sexual misconduct cases, most institutions recommend an advisor that is employed by the school. Misperceived as a generous offer, students are willfully taken under the wing of an institution employee who may not be concerned in the slightest for their best interest. An employee's loyalty does not lie with you, it lies with the institution that provides them with a paycheck. They have more incentive to void promises of confidentiality, sabotage your hearing even if done unintentionally, and participate in a criminal trial if so ordered than to advocate for you.
As a separate and objective entity from an institution, a legal professional's sole duty is to ensure your rights are protected, listen to your side of the story, and help you adequately prepare for a hearing. At a time when you don't know who to trust, turning to an attorney is a wise decision.
Representation with No Limitations
In pursuit of the ideal student defense attorney or advisor, students and their families generally seek out attorneys in their respective area. This severely limits their options to the most accessible legal professional, rather than the one best suited for your individualized case. Of course, retaining legal representation in your area has its perks. But the decision to abandon the concept of local restrictions ultimately depends on your priorities. With so much at stake, you have to ask yourself if choosing a local attorney who has little to no experience handling cases like yours is preferable over an attorney who represents students across the United States and who has years of experience successfully resolving these cases with plenty of satisfied clients to attest. For individuals who prioritize the latter, Joseph D. Lento is the attorney for you.
Doing What It Takes
Attorney Joseph D. Lento has dedicated his entire career to helping students amidst the most difficult time of their lives. A guilty determination for academic misconduct, sexual misconduct and other serious violations of your school's policy can foil academic and professional goals you've worked incredibly hard so far to achieve. For students who understand the importance of maintaining a clean academic record, retaining an attorney who you can trust to deliver favorable results is a must.
The good news is that regardless of where you reside, experienced and skilled attorney Lento can take on your case. He is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you have a fair chance at prevailing in a hearing. Whether it involves traveling to meet with your school's Title IX office, meeting with school legal representatives, or negotiating in various capacities on your behalf, he is willing to do what is necessary to get the results. He does so on a consistent basis and can do the same for you. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686.
