Legal Advocacy in College Administration Hearings
For many college students, being charged with a crime like possession of marijuana or underage drinking puts them in trouble twice: once with the law and once with their university. Even if the student prevails in their criminal case, they may still face disciplinary action from the University, which could include:
- Immediate expulsion from school or suspension for a period of time
- Loss of student housing
- Being dropped from a sports team
- Loss of current financial aid
- Having to repay past financial aid or housing assistance
- Being barred from applying for financial aid in the future
- Being denied admission into a program or graduate school
- Being denied transfer or admission to other schools
These consequences can also apply to students who have violated codes of student/resident/academic conduct. Dishonesty, cheating, misuse of school property, theft or "vandalism" are examples of common honor code violations. Having illegal drugs or alcohol in a dorm room are serious violations that are also criminal activities.
Negotiating an Outcome that Protects the Student's Future
If you, or your son or daughter is facing a disciplinary hearing before a college administrative board, you do have the right to have a lawyer present to protect your interests. Contact us today to talk with one of the defense lawyers in our Greenbelt, Rockville, Annapolis or Upper Marlboro offices. Your initial consultation is free of charge and completely confidential.
The defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold defend students in both criminal cases and in student disciplinary hearings.
Our goal is to have the charges dropped or to secure a not-guilty verdict. If there was a violation of the code of student conduct, we try to negotiate with the University to keep it off the student's permanent academic record. In that way, even if the student is ultimately suspended or expelled from college, they may still be able to enroll in another college without damaging information on their permanent record.
The Disciplinary Hearing Process
A student disciplinary hearing resembles a court proceeding. Students have a right to have their case heard before a jury of their peers. They can have a lawyer advise or represent them. A lawyer can also negotiate on their behalf with school authorities.
The college may proceed with a case based only on an accusation, even if the student ultimately is not convicted of a crime — although evidence that the criminal case was resolved favorably can help the case in the student administration hearing.
At The Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold, we represent students in student disciplinary hearings at colleges across Maryland, including the University of Maryland, Prince George's Community College, Anne Arundel Community College, St. John's College, Loyola College, Capital College and the University of Baltimore.
Contact our Maryland college defense lawyers for legal advice and representation. Initial consultations are free. Evening or weekend appointments are available in emergencies.
