When you start college, the possibilities seem endless. However, an allegation of an academic offense can easily derail your plans. When you are a student accused of an academic offense in Florida, talk to a Lawyer knowledgeable in campus misconduct cases for guidance.
Everyone makes mistakes, and a lapse in judgment should not limit your educational opportunities or hurt your professional future. At Leifert & Leifert, our academic offense Attorneys can assist you with preparing for disciplinary proceedings and advise you of your rights throughout the process.
Common Examples of Academic Offenses
When you are in college, seemingly harmless behavior can have serious consequences. Academic offenses can encompass a variety of conduct, including:
- Plagiarizing
- Falsifying data
- Cheating on exams
- Purchasing answers to tests
- Receiving unauthorized assistance on an assignment
- Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI )
You can also be charged with academic misconduct if you help someone else commit one of the above offenses. While these offenses are wrong and against school policies, misconduct is not criminal. As such, your college or university will judge the allegation. Discuss your case with a Florida Attorney if you have questions about the academic offense proceedings.
Academic Offense Investigation and Disciplinary Process
After someone makes an allegation, the school you attend will investigate the case’s merit. The institution will interview any relevant witnesses, including the accused student, faculty member, or other student witnesses. If the school deems it appropriate to file a report, the student will face disciplinary proceedings.
It is important to remember that these types of allegations are not heard in court. Each college and university in Florida treats academic misconduct violations differently. Discipline could include a written or verbal warning, suspension, or even expulsion. Some schools may permit a student to have an advisor throughout the proceedings, but consulting an Attorney is beneficial even if your school does not allow this.
Benefit of Legal Defense for an Academic Misconduct
Facing disciplinary counsel can be overwhelming for students. An academic misconduct Attorney can help prepare the student for these hearings and develop a defense strategy. Knowing your rights and how to respond to questions can mitigate any adverse consequences. Likewise, an Attorney in Florida may have recommendations on how to limit the penalties you may face for an academic violation. For example, if the offense is related to drug or alcohol use, a student’s voluntary participation in counseling could show the disciplinary counsel that they have taken responsibility for their actions and avoid suspension or expulsion.
When you hire a Lawyer, they can also conduct an independent investigation into the allegation. We can gather character witnesses to testify on your behalf and review other relevant evidence. A strong defense can make all the difference when you are accused of an academic-related offense and potentially get you the best result possible.
Speak With a Florida Academic Offense Lawyer
When you are accused of an academic offense in Florida, it is crucial to hire an Attorney to help you defend against the allegations. We understand the severity and lasting impact of academic-related offenses, as there is potential for suspension, expulsion, and limited educational and professional opportunities in the future.
Contact our office for a free and confidential consultation when you need legal representation after an academic misconduct allegation. We have handled academic misconduct violations at numerous colleges and universities across Florida and can help you protect your rights and freedoms.
