Philadelphia Attorney for College Academic Hearings
Your child’s future can be seriously compromised if he or she is accused of committing a crime, violating a high school’s Code of Conduct, or violating a college or university’s Code of Conduct. Depending on the nature of the accusations, your son or daughter may be required to attend a student disciplinary hearing, and could even be criminally prosecuted. Regardless of whether the accusations are limited to violations of the school’s policies, or involve allegedly breaking state or federal laws, your son or daughter needs aggressive legal representation to preserve and protect his or her future.
Philadelphia academic hearing defense lawyer Lloyd Long has many years of experience representing young men and women who face probation, suspension, expulsion, or criminal penalties for felonies, misdemeanors, and violations of academic policies. As a former prosecutor, he is uniquely equipped to anticipate – and fight against – the tactics used to obtain convictions. For a free legal consultation about an academic hearing or expulsion proceeding at the Philadelphia schools, call the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
Representing Philadelphia College Students at Academic Hearings
Student disciplinary hearings can arise from alleged behavior on or off campus. There are several ways the proceedings may be initiated, such as an investigation by the Office of Student Conduct, or an equivalent group or department. If the alleged misdeeds are criminal in nature, such as assault, rape, or theft of property, charges may be filed by a prosecutor.
Punishments for Violating a School’s Code of Conduct in Philadelphia
The penalties for violating a student Code of Conduct – or for breaking state or federal laws – depend on factors like:
- School policies, if the matter is non-criminal.
- The severity of the alleged offense.
- The student’s history and background.
- Whether there were aggravating or mitigating factors.
Depending on the specific policies at a particular high school, private school, charter school, academy, or college, the school may impose a variety of sanctions ranging from minor punishments all the way through permanent expulsion. Examples of potential penalties could include:
- Expulsion
- Letters of Reprimand
- Probation
- Suspension
- Transcript Notations
- Written Warnings
If law enforcement and prosecutors become involved in the investigation, and formal charges are filed against the student, he or she can face far graver consequences – particularly if he or she is 18 or older, or the charge is exceptionally serious. The penalties for a criminal offense depend largely on whether the crime is a first degree felony, second degree felony, third degree felony, first degree misdemeanor, second degree misdemeanor, third degree misdemeanor, or summary offense. Depending on the severity of the charges, the student’s age and history, and other factors, criminal penalties may include fines and restitution, mandatory community service, probation, and even incarceration in jail or prison. Moreover, there are certain allegations which will cause a juvenile to be charged and tried as an adult.
Parents and students should keep in mind that each educational institution has its own system and process for handling student violations. For example, if a student at Drexel is reported, he or she will generally receive a Notice of Charge letter, at which point the student must respond to a designated Conduct Officer. As Drexel University’s website cautions, “Failing to respond to the meeting request may result in a decision made without your participation. A HOLD may also be placed on your Banner account which will prevent you from getting grades, registering for classes, and graduating.” It is crucial to hire a Philadelphia academic hearing attorney who understands the procedures and regulations used at your son or daughter’s school.
Call Our Philadelphia Academic Disciplinary Hearing Lawyer for Student Conduct Violations and More
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long represents students in academic disciplinary hearings at UPenn, Drexel, Temple, La Salle, SJU, CCP, Thomas Jefferson University, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA), University of the Arts (UArts), University of the Sciences (USciences), Chestnut Hill College, Moore College of Art and Design, Gratz College, Pierce College, Holy Family University, Bryn Mawr College, Villanova University, and other institutions of higher learning.
If your son, daughter, or grandchild was arrested and charged with a crime at college, or is under investigation for suspected violations of their school’s Code of Conduct, Philadelphia academic hearing defense attorney Lloyd Long is ready to fight to protect your loved one’s rights. For a free and confidential legal consultation about a student hearing or criminal charge against a student or minor in the Philadelphia region, contact our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at our law offices online, or call (215) 302-0171.
