I’m a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law who represents college students who have been accused of misconduct by their college or university. This includes allegations of academic and non-academic misconduct.
Academic misconduct most often arises as an allegation of plagiarism or other form of “cheating.” Non-academic misconduct allegations can take many forms–from accusations of sexual misconduct, to getting cited for possessing a fake ID or MIP–even if they occurred off-campus or when school is not in session.
When this happens, you could be facing criminal charges in addition to discipline through your university’s administrative process. The university can impose sanctions that could include expulsion and a ban from campus for several years.
Obviously, the stakes are high for college students facing these kinds of allegations. If you receive notice that your university wants you to meet with them to discuss any of these issues, you need a trusted advisor on your side from the outset.
At Petefish, Immel, Hird, Johnson, Leibold & Sloan, LLP, we’ve been representing college students for over a decade. We’ve helped students accused of academic misconduct, non-academic misconduct, graduate students that were dismissed from their programs, students accused of sexual misconduct, and students accused of crimes like DUI and MIP.
Don’t go it alone–universities have entire departments whose only purpose is investigating and sanctioning its students. Make sure you have an advisor who can represent your interests by protecting the investment you’ve made in your education, and keep you on track to graduate.