Few events come with consequences as impactful to your educational path as a misconduct accusation. Even when untrue, the damage to your reputation negatively affects your relationships and even your future career. The unfortunate reality is that some allegations may also come with criminal charges.
When receiving news of the accusation charge, every step you take influences the path of your case. From the people you speak with to statements made to an officer, the prosecuting side may use pieces of information to build a case against you. With a strong defense strategy from the start, a legal advisor deflects accusations and reduces the likelihood of criminal charges.
What's At Stake?
When facing accusations, everything that you work hard for is at stake. In addition to the damage to your reputation, you risk losing:
- Educational opportunities
- Internships and externships
- Career opportunities
- Financial aid
- Scholarships
- Relationships
Moreover, charges come with financial repercussions and a significant amount of stress for you and your family. If you are already under probation, another allegation adversely affects your status and exacerbates the penalties. To avoid the high cost of accusations, you must implement a comprehensive defense strategy to cover every scenario and charge against you.
Steps To Take After An Accusation Charge
Even if you believe that charges against you are inaccurate, facing a college panel or making a statement without contacting a legal advisor is risky. Too often, professors, peers, and administrators are quick to believe accusations before a proper investigation takes occurs. These beliefs place you at a disadvantage, especially if the charge is egregious, like sexual misconduct.
When receiving word of an accusation charge, take the following steps to increase your chances of success:
1. Contact A Legal Advisor
A knowledgeable legal advisor with experience working with similar cases improves your chances of a favorable case outcome. Your advisor guides you through the process, ensures the preservation of your rights, and, most importantly, works hard to protect your reputation.
2. Gather Evidence
Strong evidence changes the trajectory of your case, especially if the accusation is false. The more information you gather and present before the panel, the better your chances are of changing your case outcome.
3. Use Witnesses
With witnesses backing up your claim, you may have a better chance of reducing the impact of allegations. Even witnesses that are only acquaintances may have information that helps bolster your defense, especially if the matter escalates to court.
4. Stay Vigilant
Even if you are innocent, you must stay vigilant when it comes to your online actions and whom you speak to until the case concludes. To ensure that an innocuous statement does not lead to further issues, take every precaution necessary to protect yourself.
Why the Lento Law Firm?
Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento understands the high cost of allegations and their life-altering consequences. With a proven record of success defending thousands of students against misconduct claims across the United States, advisor Joseph D. Lento is your legal ally when the stakes are high and your reputation is on the line. Contact the Lento Law Firm today for a consultation at (888) 535-3686.
