At Spodek Law Group, we understand that being accused of a college code violation can have life-altering consequences. A disciplinary board finding against you can result in a mark on your academic record, which can adversely affect your ability to pursue further education or obtain professional licenses. Furthermore, sanctions for serious misconduct allegations, such as sexual assault, may include suspension or expulsion, making it challenging for you to gain admission to another school and leaving a lasting impact on your future.

It is vital to explore the possibility of an appeal in such situations. Our experienced college code attorney, Todd Spodek, recommends that you discuss your options with us as soon as possible. With our deep understanding of the law and professionalism, we can guide you through the appeals process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Who gets an appeal? Although schools are not legally required to provide students with the opportunity to appeal disciplinary findings, most schools do so for certain types of violations. However, each school has its own unique process with different requirements and deadlines, making it necessary to know your school’s specific policy.

Under Title IX, schools must provide guidance on how to comply with the law, including appeals. The complainant and respondent usually have the opportunity to appeal a finding they deem unfair or inaccurate in cases of sexual misconduct. However, recent OCR guidance has allowed schools to decide whether they allow appeals for both parties or only the responding party, a policy that violates Title IX. Suppose your school has an unfair appeals policy. In that case, it is essential to have an experienced education attorney, such as Todd Spodek of Spodek Law Group, to examine the situation.

The Appeals Process: In deciding to appeal a finding, it is crucial to determine which grounds for appeal are permitted by the school. If you were falsely accused or if the findings were inaccurate, you might consider appealing the entire decision. If the findings are accurate but the sanctions are disproportionate, you might choose to file an appeal of just the sanctions. Some sanctions can result in collateral consequences that could impact your future, such as losing financial aid, scholarships, or disqualification from activities.

Appeals rules can be strict and complicated, with some schools providing only a few days to prepare and file an appeal. Having an experienced college code attorney like Todd Spodek on your side can ensure that your appeal meets all requirements and presents a persuasive argument to overturn the finding or sanctions. An experienced lawyer can also help determine whether your due process rights were violated, and if so, file an administrative complaint or civil lawsuit.

Common College Code Violations: College codes vary from school to school, but some common violations include stalking, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, drug offenses, alcohol violations, and bias-motivated conduct. Regardless of the violation, an attorney can be a valuable asset in helping you navigate the appeals process.

How an Attorney Can Assist You: An experienced college code attorney can ensure that your appeal is strong and adheres to your school’s rules, giving you the best chance to keep your education on track. Even if your school does not allow an attorney to be present during disciplinary or appeal hearings, you can still have the counsel of an attorney and assistance preparing for your hearing, as well as preparing and filing your appeal.

Contact Spodek Law Group: If you are facing a college code violation, contact Spodek Law Group today. We have extensive experience with college disciplinary cases and can advise you on your options. Our Conduct Code lawyers, including Todd Spodek, fully understand the legal rights of students and work to protect their rights at every stage of their case. Call us at 212-300-5196 or contact us online to discuss your case.

Common College Code Violations

• Stalking
• Sexual Misconduct
• Rape
• Relationship Violence
• Misconduct of College Organizations
• Hazing
• Misuse of Social Media or Texting
• Bias-Motivated Conduct
• Drug Offenses
• Alcohol Violations
• Housing Policy Violations

At Spodek Law Group, we have represented hundreds of students facing allegations of college code violations, including Title IX complaints of sexual misconduct. We understand that being accused of such violations can be a stressful and life-altering experience. Therefore, we work tirelessly to protect the legal rights of our clients and advise them on their options.

We offer legal assistance to help you avoid a finding of guilt in the first place, but if necessary, we can also guide you through the appeals process. Our experienced college code attorney, Todd Spodek, is familiar with the law and can help ensure that your appeal is strong, adheres to your school’s rules, and presents a persuasive argument to overturn the finding or sanctions. We are dedicated to protecting your future and will do everything in our power to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 or online to discuss your case with us. We are ready to assist you and provide you with the legal representation you need. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the college code and protect your future.