The greater Orlando metro area is home to numerous prestigious colleges, including the University of Central Florida, Full Sail University, and ECPI University.  Students attending these colleges have worked hard to gain admission and have spent tens of thousands of dollars on tuition in the hopes of starting a lucrative career upon graduation. Unfortunately, some students get sidetracked due to disciplinary issues or code of conduct violations.

Penalties for engaging in misconduct can be severe and can result in suspension or even expulsion from the school. As a result, any allegation of misconduct should be taken seriously. If you are found guilty of a code of conduct violation, it could have far-reaching consequences for your future career.

If you have been accused of misconduct, the LLF National Law Firm’s Student Defense Team can help you. Our team has experience nationwide and in the greater Orlando metro area in defending students who have been accused of academic, behavioral, or other offenses. To find out how the LLF National Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential, online contact form today.

What Is Considered Misconduct at Colleges in the Orlando Metro Area?

It is no secret that misconduct, in particular academic misconduct or cheating, is rampant in universities. Although cheating has been a problem for a long time, as a result of AI, electronic devices, and other technology, it has never been easier to cut corners and engage in academic misconduct. All colleges in the Orlando Metro area have codes of conduct and other policies that outline the various infractions that can result in disciplinary action being taken.

For example, the University of Central Florida’s Student Code of Conduct covers a wide range of activities that would constitute misconduct and includes:

  • Academic Misconduct – this includes offenses such as plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, failure to comply with testing procedures, and the like
  • Falsification of University Records – Furnishing false or misleading information (oral or written) to university officials, university and non-university law enforcement officers, faculty, or staff
  • Disruptive Conduct – Any act that impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the university or the rights of one or more individuals
  • Harmful Behavior –  This includes physical violence as well as harassment, bullying, and oral or written threats against faculty or other students
  • Sex-based Misconduct – Sexual assaults, harassment, gender-based harassment, relationship abuse, and stalking would all constitute such misconduct
  • Title IX Sexual Harassment
  • Larceny/Property Damage
  • Hazing – Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of a student 
  • Misuse or Unauthorized Use of Facilities and Grounds
  • Misconduct at University-Sponsored/Related Activities
  • Controlled Substance and Drug Violations
  • Alcoholic Beverage Violations
  • Possession of Weapons or Dangerous Materials
  • Instigation or Participation in Group Disturbances during Demonstrations, Parades, or Picketing

Consequences for Misconduct

Colleges typically use a disciplinary board to determine the guilt or innocence of any student accused of a code of conduct violation. Although there are typically procedural rules, they fall far short of the due process protections available in a court of law, and some colleges do not allow you to be represented by an attorney in any proceedings.

If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, the following are the potential consequences that may arise:

  • Warning – A written notice to a student that continued or repeated violations may be cause for disciplinary action
  • Disciplinary Probation – Disciplinary probation is a status for a duration of time that indicates that a student has engaged in unacceptable behavior
  • Suspension – Termination of student status for a specified but limited period of time
  • Expulsion – Expulsion is the permanent termination of student status

Although a warning or probation may seem like a “slap on the wrist,” a record of those proceedings will nevertheless become a part of your school record and could affect your ability to obtain employment later in life.

Why You Should Hire an Orlando Code of Conduct Disciplinary Lawyer

Although you have the right to defend yourself in any hearing before a disciplinary body at your college, you do so at your own risk. Some colleges are authorized to impose temporary discipline against you without notice. This lack of due process makes hiring an attorney even more important. Due to the stakes involved, including suspension or expulsion, every complaint should be taken seriously. Even if you believe that the complaint against you is frivolous or unsubstantiated, the risks are too great to defend yourself without a qualified attorney by your side.

Unlike criminal matters, you are not innocent until proven guilty in any disciplinary proceeding. Although the university has the burden of proof, a “preponderance of the evidence” standard is used. That means that if it is found that it is more likely than not that you committed an infraction, they will find you guilty. This standard is especially crucial in these types of proceedings, where the finding of guilt or innocence is often determined based on the word of one person against another person. This can often lead to unjust outcomes and erroneous findings. Engaging an experienced attorney to stand by your side will enhance your chances of avoiding discipline.

The LLF National Law Firm Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Misconduct Charges

The Student Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm has defended countless students against misconduct charges. If you find yourself in a situation where charges are being brought against you, we can help.  Our Student Defense Team has experience defending students across the country.

When you retain our team, we will:

  • Thoroughly review the complaint and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you
  • Conduct a fact-finding investigation to ensure that all facts are presented in the light most favorable to you
  • Represent you during the investigatory process with the goal of having the complaint dismissed
  • Negotiate with the university disciplinary board in order to have the penalties mitigated
  • If permitted, fully defend you before the board in any hearing, including calling and examining witnesses and presenting beneficial documents on your behalf

Punishment for disciplinary matters can be severe and can cause you difficulty in finding a job later in life. The LLF National Law Firm Team has the experience you need to defend yourself. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form today.

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