Every college and university has its own code of conduct that it expects students to follow. Unfortunately, many underestimate the consequences of being accused of a code violation by their school. A conviction could severely hamper the student’s future and possibly lead to criminal charges.
If your school has accused you of violating its code of conduct, talk about it with a Warrenton student defense lawyer at Ashwell & Ashwell. Our experienced defense attorneys draw on their experiences in the courtroom to advocate for your rights in the classroom.
Colleges and universities are in a unique position because their codes govern the conduct of students and staff, while all standard laws and regulations also apply to these individuals. This means that some actions may be an infraction for students but are perfectly acceptable for non-students. For example, consuming alcohol on campus or in the dormitories is generally prohibited, even if you are over the age of 21.
This is likely why the most common code violations are often alcohol-related, such as possession of alcohol and underage drinking. Another common violation is academic misconduct. This includes a variety of dishonest actions, such as:
Schools take violations of academic integrity very seriously, and a conviction could have severe consequences for your future and reputation. But college students are typically young adults whose brains and bodies are still developing. This can often lead to someone acting inappropriately toward another person, resulting in accusations of sexual offenses, such as stalking, harassment, and even rape.
No matter the issue, however, it remains the school administration’s burden to prove the allegations. That is why any student accused of a school code violation in Warrenton should consult with a seasoned attorney about their options and start building a defense.
Since the college’s code of conduct and all other state and federal laws govern students, the school and law enforcement may handle some actions separately. Depending on the specific violation, these two institutions may approach the issue with different degrees of seriousness.
It is not uncommon, however, for a student to face consequences from both their university and the police for one violation. Underage drinking on campus is a good example, as consuming or possessing alcohol on campus could result in an administrative write-up from the school. Additionally, consuming or possessing alcohol underage is a violation of the Code of Virginia § 4.1-305A, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor and could include a $500 fine, community service, and a suspended driver’s license.
Law enforcement officials are likely to pursue criminal charges for sexual misconduct, such as rape. While this could get the student expelled from the university, a conviction in the criminal justice system could result in prison time.
Retaining skilled legal representation is key for students in Warrenton to defend against both academic and criminal accusations. Our attorneys know what both schools and law enforcement require to prove their cases, and how to present the facts to cast doubt on the charges.
You have the right to explain your perspective, and a Warrenton student defense lawyer from Ashwell & Ashwell could help you do so. Our team could handle both the academic and criminal matters to help protect your future.
If you are a student—or the parent of a student—who is facing an accusation, discuss your options with a dedicated attorney. Call Ashwell & Ashwell to begin building your defense.
