When a student is facing a suspension, dismissal, or any other disciplinary decision with a school, there is a very good chance that he or she can appeal the decision. This is the student’s last chance to prevent a sanction and the mark on the transcript that goes with it. Depending on what the student has been charged with, a sanction can block entry into graduate or professional schools, even if you are allowed to return to graduate with a degree. And if you are facing expulsion, the school is essentially seizing your tuition and refusing to give you the degree you paid for.
If you are already facing sanctions but have the chance to appeal, a knowledgeable misconduct appeals lawyer could mean the difference between losing future opportunities and graduating on time, with your record intact.
The best time to get experienced counsel involved is right at the beginning of a disciplinary process. But we understand that not everyone does so. Given the trivial matters that colleges and universities now expel students for, it’s understandable that students think, “if I just explain my side of the story, the school will understand.” More often than not, they don’t. The appeal is your last chance to change the University’s mind even if you did not get counsel until you obtained an unfavorable result.
No matter your circumstances, Allen Harris is here to help in any way we can. Contact Allen Harris today to learn more about how our lawyers can help with misconduct appeals.
Do I Need A Lawyer for a University Disciplinary Appeal?
When a university disciplinary decision threatens you with suspension, expulsion, or even the kind of grade that blocks your future career of choice, you are usually entitled to a hearing.
Unfortunately, there are times where these hearings do not work in the student’s favor, and often unjustly so. If you find yourself in this situation, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney to handle your disciplinary appeal.
Allen Harris has handled countless misconduct appeals in the past. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for your right to fair treatment under the law, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the thousands of dollars you’ve already poured into your education are not forfeited to the school without getting your degree.
How the University and College Appeals Process Works
Students who attend public universities are entitled to due process.
At public universities, policies for appeals of administrative decisions usually allow you to challenge a decision if you were denied procedural due process, meaning that in your initial hearing, you did not receive fair treatment. In other cases, you may also appeal to prove that the decision against you was “arbitrary and capricious.”
That being said, if you are a student at a private university, you are not entitled to due process rights. Instead, you and your attorney will have to prove that the school’s decision against you violated the school’s policies and rules. In most cases, these policies are outlined in the student handbook, or on the school’s website, or both.
These are known as contract-law appeals. They are harder and to win them, you can bet that you will need a skilled attorney on your side.
Contact Our Misconduct Appeals Lawyer
Whether you attend a public or a private university, you should not have to appeal the negative outcome of a misconduct hearing on your own. For years, Allen Harris has represented clients from all walks of life. We are committed to protecting your education. We are ready to put that knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact our firm today so we can get started.