The penalties for academic misconduct can vary. It will, of course, depend on the alleged misconduct itself, the severity of the allegation that is, also the student's disciplinary record. If they were to be found responsible, if they've been in trouble before at the school for academic misconduct, certainly, the consequences will be more severe. The consequences if somebody is found responsible can run the gamut from as low as a warning to probation, suspension, expulsion.
The consequences can be severe, even if it's a lesser sanction that doesn't include a separation from school, such as probation or a warning, for example. It can still impact a person moving forward, both in terms of applying to a graduate or a professional school or seeking certain employment, especially employment with the government. There's many, say, private employers this day that would consider academics misconduct to be too egregious to even consider a prospective candidate.
The consequences can be severe. It's important that you understand that going into the process and that you do not do anything without taking the necessary precautions when addressing allegations of academic misconduct. An experienced attorney advisor can help you best navigate the process and best approach such concerns.