What are school disciplinary actions, and can they happen in addition to a criminal case?

Colleges and universities sometimes pursue their own cases against students. If the alleged offense involves a criminal act, school disciplinary actions may take place in addition to a criminal proceeding.

How are school hearings different from criminal court proceedings for accused students?

College proceedings often do not offer as many protections to the accused. In school hearings, the school does not usually need to prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and instead of a judge and jury, a dean and student volunteers with little to no formal training often sit in judgment.

What types of non-criminal allegations can lead to a college administrative hearing?

Examples of offenses that could bring administrative hearings include cheating, plagiarism, and hazing.

What possible penalties can students face from criminal cases or school disciplinary proceedings?

Criminal convictions can involve jail time, fines, community service, and probation. For students over 18, criminal convictions also result in a permanent criminal record, which may make it difficult to obtain a loan, gain admission to another university or graduate program, or find a job. After a school disciplinary proceeding, students can face administrative punishments such as suspension or immediate expulsion.

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Q: What kinds of trouble do students often face in Mesa?

College students can face any kind of criminal charge, but common campus-related issues include underage drinking, possession of a fake ID, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, drunk driving, traffic violations, theft (such as shoplifting), violent crimes (such as assault and battery), and date rape and other sexual misconduct charges.

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Almost everyone can look back on their teenage or young adult years and regret some of their actions. It is a well-known fact that students make mistakes. Unfortunately, some of those youthful mistakes are more serious than everyday teenage indiscretions. Some teenage mistakes can lead to serious school disciplinary actions or even criminal penalties.

If your child is facing possible school or criminal consequences for their mistake, it is essential to have a strong local criminal defense attorney by their side. A Mesa student defense lawyer will work with your family to protect and stand up for your child’s rights. En Español

For a free legal consultation with a college student defense lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555

WHAT KINDS OF TROUBLE DO STUDENTS OFTEN FACE IN MESA?

As with any other defendant, college students can face any kind of criminal charge. However, certain types of crimes seem to be the most common on college campuses, including the following:

Underage drinking:
Possession of a fake ID
Possession or distribution of illegal drug charges
Drunk driving
Traffic violations
Theft, such as shoplifting
Violent crimes, such as assault and battery
Date rape and other sexual misconduct charges

Local criminal defense attorneys understand the fear that students face when charged with any crime. They know how to work with students and families to come up with creative defense strategies.

SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Sometimes, colleges and universities pursue their own cases against their students. If the alleged offense involves a criminal act, these school disciplinary actions might take place in addition to a criminal proceeding. Often, these college proceedings do not offer as many protections to the accused. For example, in school hearings, the school does not usually need to prove that the student committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead of a judge and a jury listening to a case, a dean and some student volunteers with little to no formal training often sit in judgment.

In addition to pursuing claims against their students for alleged criminal offenses, colleges can also bring students to face other claims. Some examples of offenses that could bring administrative hearings would be the following:

Cheating
Plagiarism
Hazing

Although these other claims may not rise to the level of criminal offenses, they are still serious and may bring with them severe penalties. Fortunately, the attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group have experience advising students on how to present their side of the story in the best light in disciplinary hearings, helping them potentially obtain a positive result.

Mesa College Student Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555

POSSIBLE PENALTIES FOLLOWING A STUDENT DEFENSE

Both criminal prosecutions and school administrative proceedings can bring harsh penalties. Criminal convictions can involve jail time, fines, community service, and probation. In addition, criminal convictions for students over the age of 18 result in permanent criminal records. With a permanent record, it may be difficult to obtain a loan, gain admission to another university or graduate program, or find a job. After a school disciplinary proceeding, students can face administrative punishments, such as suspension or immediate expulsion from school.

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REACH OUT TO A MESA STUDENT DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY

It can be scary for a student to face the threat of criminal prosecution or possible expulsion from school. If your child faces a criminal charge, you are likely worried about whether they will be able to finish school and possibly about whether they will face potential jail time. It is essential to get them qualified local legal assistance immediately. Our lawyers have vast experience with all kinds of cases involving Arizona criminal law, and they also have experience in helping students avoid harsh administrative punishments from their colleges and universities. Reach out to a Mesa student defense lawyer today and let them protect your child’s future.

Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form