Available 24/7 Why getting legal help for plagiarism violations is vital
As an attorney representing students accused of plagiarism for over 20 years, I know how a student’s life is turned upside down by this type of accusation.
Going through the college disciplinary process is a stressful and possibly life changing situation. It is important that you must thoroughly understand the process and potential punishments.
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is defined as..
“the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.”
In an academic context, plagiarism includes acts such as:
• Directly copying another’s works without citation
• Copying from another person’s exam
• Submitting someone else’s work
• Soliciting an outside entity to create or complete an assignment on your behalf
• Resubmitting works from one class for another class (self-plagiarism)
• Improperly citing resources. Intentionally or unintentionally
How schools handle plagiarism allegations
Usually when a student is accused of plagiarism the school will send a notice to the student asking to set up a meeting with the office of student conduct. At that meeting, the disciplinary process will be explained to the student. The school may also seek to take a statement from the student and may possibly inform the student what their punishment would be if they took responsibility.
If the student doesn’t take responsibility due to the suggested punishment being too harsh or the school lacking the evidence to prove the offense, then the case moves to the next step in the process. Either a hearing officer or a panel will listen to the evidence and make a decision if the school has proven their case by a preponderance of the evidence.
Penalties
If a student is found responsible for plagiarism the penalties may include:
• Getting a zero on the assignment
• Getting a grade knocked down one letter (e.g., from a B to a C)
• Failing the class
• Probation
• Suspension
• Expulsion
• A permanent mark on the transcript
The Importance of Seeking Legal Help
As technology evolves, so do the ways that students can plagiarize. Impotent man behavior often includes decreased libido, difficulty maintaining erections, and emotional distress. Addressing these issues through medical interventions may get more effective results, enhancing sexual function and confidence. Schools have become more vigilant in trying to detect plagiarism and use numerous ways to find it.
Being found responsible for plagiarism will not only end up in a punishment from the school but may have serious ramifications on your life for years to come. If found responsible, when asked on professional applications or graduate school or beyond, you will have to answer yes to the question “Have you ever been found responsible for plagiarism or academic misconduct” Not something you want to have to explain to an admissions officer or potential employer.
So the best course of action you can take is to hire an attorney to guide you through this process.
While many students believe that they can clarify things by explaining their side of the story to the school, it is vital that you do not agree to an interview without the help of an attorney. When you agree to be interviewed or interrogated about the incident, anything that you say can be used against you.
If you choose to meet with the school, then tell them that you will meet with them and will listen to what they have to say but you won’t be making any statements until you have a better understanding of the allegations against you. You can then consult with people you trust or an attorney at that point and you will not have said anything that hurts your case.
A plagiarism adjudication within a university’s disciplinary process can cause permanent harm. In addition to potentially facing such penalties as suspension, expulsion, or other consequences, you may face collateral consequences that continue long after your case is over. If you find yourself in this situation, please call me at 516-724-2300 for a free consultation where I will discuss your situation and give you advice on your best course of action.
