Student Disciplinary Hearings For Students In Cincinnati Ohio
Students accused of conduct serious enough to violate their schools’ conduct codes often fail to remain silent when they should. They assume that a school acts in the best interests of students. Sadly, this is untrue. Any academic institution acts in its best interests. It will defend its actions by explaining that its actions are for the primary benefit of its student body and the academic institution itself.
Students often mistakenly believe that a simple explanation will cause a positive result. However, your school is not interested in fairness or the truth. The school only cares about protecting itself from liability or bad publicity, especially if the allegations against you are serious.
If you receive a notice of charges for violating your school’s conduct or academic code, do not discuss this matter with anyone and contact an attorney with experience in asserting and defending the rights of students.
You are at no risk if you discuss your matter with a member of Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm. We offer free consultations and will provide you with an opportunity to explain your side of the story. We can provide an assessment of the problem and suggest a solution. Do not hesitate because you assume the allegations against you are minor. Time may be of the essence, and you may not realize it.
Information Center
- Sexual Assault
- Disciplinary Hearings
- Defense Attorney For Student Disciplinary Hearings In Cincinnati, OH
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is one of the most serious student conduct violations. Institutions of higher learning are constantly facing challenges to the procedures they use to respond to campus sexual assault cases. Aside from the moral incentive, schools want to quickly resolve any allegations because they fear a loss of funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government and the Department of Education often use Title IX to pursue investigations into sexual assault cases on college campuses.
Universities practically have a zero-tolerance policy for those accused of sexual assault. As a result, in cases involving sexual misconduct, schools require much lower than the burden of proof required to convict in Ohio and federal criminal cases.
There are severe consequences for a sexual assault violation of your university’s conduct code. These include a suspension or expulsion that could end your academic career. If convicted of sexual assault in an Ohio criminal court, the conviction can remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life.
Also, the school can note the incident on your academic transcripts. This can affect your ability to obtain a professional license. You may be required to disclose the incident on any employment or professional applications and any background checks for security clearance.
Disciplinary Hearings
The disciplinary process can vary from one university to the next, although most follow a procedure with a similar format and similar rules. You do NOT have the same rights in a school disciplinary hearing as in an Ohio state court criminal case. Do not confuse these two adjudicative processes. Some of or all the following facts may apply to the procedure used by your school or university:
- You are NOT presumed innocent
- You are NOT permitted to ask your accuser questions
- A school is NOT required to inform you of the evidence against you
- You may NOT have the right to appeal
- It is your word against the word of your accuser
- The person deciding the matter may have a personal bias against you
Once a complaint alleging a violation of the student code of conduct is filed with the school, an investigation will begin. Complaints may arise from students, a university office, or academic units. Complaints may also originate from the Ohio Police Department. Once opened, the student alleged to have violated the academic or conduct code will receive a letter giving them notice of the investigation.
The investigation may result in the filing of charges. In no way does this establish your guilt. It only means that there is sufficient cause and reason based on the evidence to move forward. A school or university typically offers a disciplinary conference or a hearing. An attorney can recommend which option is best for you if both are available. Do NOT accept either option without speaking with an attorney who can pick the best alternative for your unique facts and circumstances.
Defense Attorney For Student Disciplinary Hearings In Cincinnati, OH
If you are under investigation by your educational institution for allegedly violating a student conduct rule or the academic code, contact an experienced defense attorney to discuss the matter. The Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm offers FREE no-risk consultations, so you have nothing to lose by sitting down with one of our experienced team members to explain your situation to us. Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm understands the importance of your academic future.
We will assert and defend your rights throughout the disciplinary process to help you achieve the best possible result. To schedule a free case consultation with Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm, call (513) 399-6289 or submit your information in the online contact form. We represent clients throughout Southwestern Ohio, including Hamilton County, Butler County, Clermont County, Clinton County, Preble County, and Brown County.
