A Fierce Defense In Student Disciplinary Hearings
Facing disciplinary hearings as a student – whether in K-12, college or beyond – can be scary and intimidating. Your education and future may hang in the balance.
At Bilello & Soowal, PLLC, we are passionate about standing up for students’ rights in disciplinary hearings. Our lawyers know that educational opportunities are immensely valuable. You shouldn’t be deprived of those opportunities due to unfounded or exaggerated allegations. We will fight for a result that preserves your reputation, education and future.
What Can Trigger School Disciplinary Hearing?
Public schools are required to have student codes of conduct and detailed disciplinary procedures that afford specific rights to students accused of infractions. Most private schools have similar frameworks.
You can face disciplinary proceedings for a wide range of accusations, including:
- Cheating or academic dishonesty
- Using artificial intelligence (AI) in an unpermitted manner
- Bringing weapons, firearms, vape pens, drug paraphernalia and other contraband to school
- Bullying other students or teachers
- Engaging in sexual harassment, sexual assault or other sexual misconduct
Additionally, getting charged with certain crimes or juvenile offenses can trigger school disciplinary proceedings.
What Rights Do You Have In School Disciplinary Hearings?
The law – specifically Title IX – requires schools that receive federal funding to afford students certain rights in disciplinary proceedings. A disciplinary hearing is one of the most important stages of those proceedings.
As a student, you have:
- The right to adequate notice
- The right to be informed of all the evidence and allegations against you
- The right to conduct a thorough investigation
- The right to hire a private defense lawyer to represent you, including at the hearing
- The right to have your case decided by a qualified, neutral decision-maker
- The right to detailed written findings by the decision-maker
- The right to have your case decided under the “preponderance of the evidence standard,” meaning it’s more likely than not that allegations are true
Our attorneys will staunchly defend you both in preparation for the hearing and in the hearing itself. We can also protect you during the initial investigation. We will gather strong evidence for your defense, explore avenues for negotiating a favorable resolution, make a persuasive case for you at the hearing and help you pursue appeals if warranted.
Get An Experienced Student Defense Lawyer On Your Side
Don’t wait to get the skilled legal defense you deserve. We represent students at the K-12 level as well as higher education students in disciplinary hearings.
Call our firm at 866-335-1513 or fill out an online contact form to arrange a consultation. We have offices in Deerfield Beach and Orlando.