Our Pittsburgh PA Academic Violations Defense Services
We defend college students nationwide who have been accused of violations of their code of conduct. At DC Student Defense, our practice is led by defense attorney Shanlon Wu, a former federal prosecutor with extensive experience in handling college-related legal issues.
Alcohol Violations
Common alcohol related charges college students may face include misrepresentation of age, being visibly drunk on campus, and providing alcohol to a minor; violations of these outlines can lead to a student code of conduct disciplinary hearing.
Assault
Since assault is a criminal offense, schools reserve the right to hold a disciplinary hearing. If you are facing not only criminal charges but also a university disciplinary hearing, it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in college student assault.
Computer Crimes
Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in working with college students accused of computer crimes and or computer-related conduct or academic code violations.
Destruction of Property
Depending on the specifics of the case, you can legally be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony. Both may result in hefty fines and potential jail time, so it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience representing college students if you are facing destruction of property charges.
Drug Offenses
If you are accused of a drug charge you need to protect your education and future employment by immediately contacting and hiring a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending college students against drug possession charges.
Domestic Violence
If you are facing not only criminal charges but also a university disciplinary hearing or if you are the victim of a domestic crime, it is important to contact a student defense lawyer with experience representing college student assault cases to ensure your rights and education are both protected.
Fake I.D.
Criminal charges stemming from off-campus student conduct such as having a fake ID can lead to disciplinary proceedings at your college/university. Common sanctions include loss of campus housing, probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Hazing
Hazing can result in criminal charges as well as student conduct code violations resulting in suspension or expulsion. Hiring an attorney with both criminal law and university discipline systems is critical to protect your rights and academic/professional future.
Plagiarism
If you are accused of a university conduct code violation and you believe your student rights and academic record are in jeopardy, it is important to contact a defense attorney who specializes in working with college students accused of plagiarism to help you navigate your defense in a university disciplinary hearing.
Noise Violations
If you’ve been accused of cheating on an online final exam or any other form of online misconduct, you’ll want to hire an attorney with experience working to defend students accused of cheating to advise you.
Online Cheating
If you’ve been accused of cheating on an online final exam or any other form of online misconduct, you’ll want to hire an attorney with experience working to defend students accused of cheating to advise you.
Stalking
If you are accused of stalking, it is important to reach out to an experienced college student criminal defense attorney to help you best handle your case. Report any information on the case and your relationship to the accuser to your college student defense attorney.
Campus Sexual Assault
It is important that you seek proper representation as soon as possible. You must seek out legal counsel that has experience in criminal charges, Title IX accommodation procedures and experience in campus sexual assault allegations and university disciplinary proceedings.
Theft
The minimum sanction for theft at most universities is restitution to the owner. As with all university disciplinary hearings, it is important to contact an experienced student defense attorney beforehand to ensure you understand your student rights and ensure minimal disruption to your education.
Threats
Threats include any contact or communication that threatens or endangers the party receiving the threat; it will cause them to fear for their safety and implies imminent harm or danger. These can be physical or non-physical, such as sending harassing messages or phone calls.
Trespassing
In the same way as entering private property without proper authorization, entering any part of your college or university’s campus that is designated as off limits or for university officials only is considered trespassing.
Weapons Violation
In the same way as entering private property without proper authorization, entering any part of your college or university’s campus that is designated as off limits or for university officials only is considered trespassing.
Our Pittsburgh PA Academic Violations Process
2. Guiding You Through the University’s Disciplinary Proceedings
We guide you in understanding the university’s disciplinary processes.
3. Defending Your Rights:
Leveraging our experience in academic defense, we are committed to safeguarding your rights and aim to achieve the best outcome for your case and your future.
What Our Pittsburgh PA Clients Say
Pittsburgh PA Academic Violations FAQs
What does academic misconduct mean?
Academic misconduct refers to various violations, such as cheating on exams, plagiarism, inappropriate behavior during online classes, and sharing personal information without consent. Since academic misconduct definitions vary by institution, navigating these rules can be complex. An academic violations attorney can help clarify these definitions and defend your rights under the school’s conduct code.
What happens if I violate academic rules?
Consequences for academic violations differ by school and can range from verbal warning to expulsion, depending on factors like your history and the severity of the misconduct. An academic violations attorney can help you understand the potential penalties and work to minimize the impact on your academic and personal life.
What counts as online misconduct that I might not be aware of?
Online misconduct encompasses actions that might not immediately seem like cheating, such as:
- Using study aids like Chegg during exams.
- Sending private messages via Zoom.
- Using your phone during an exam.
- Collaborating with others during a test.
Since online learning rules are still developing, an academic violations attorney can clarify what constitutes misconduct and defend you against allegations.
How should I respond if accused of cheating?
If accused of cheating, take the following steps before discussing the matter with others:
- Carefully read the accusations against you.
- Consult an experienced student defense attorney for professional advice.
- Avoid discussing the case with fellow students or the accuser.
An academic violations attorney can guide your preparation for a hearing, ensuring you’re well-prepared for all discussions and proceedings.
Why should I hire a lawyer for academic violations?
An academic violations attorney offers comprehensive support by:
- Managing evidence to include or exclude specific items.
- Preparing opening and closing statements.
- Drafting professional emails.
- Collaborating with potential witnesses who can support your case.
- Examining the evidence presented by the university.
- Advocating for lesser sanctions.
This support helps mitigate the effects of academic dishonesty investigations and secures a more favorable outcome.
Areas Served
Get Started on Your Pittsburgh PA Academic Violations Case Today
Our team at DC Student Defense is prepared and available to guide students facing academic violation investigations. With so much at stake, it is critical for students who are accused of conduct code violations to do everything possible to resolve their case as favorably as possible. Call us today at to learn how we can assist you with your academic violations.
