Academic Misconduct

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Why getting legal help for academic misconduct violations is vital 

As an attorney representing students accused of academic misconduct 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 academic misconduct?  

Academic misconduct, broadly speaking, is any action which gains, attempts to gain, or assists others in gaining or attempting to gain unfair academic advantage. It includes plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, and fabrication of data as well as the possession of unauthorized materials during an examination.

Here are some other examples of non-plagiarism academic misconduct I’ve seen throughout my career: 

• Lying about the number of hours completed during a school internship
• Submitting fake transcripts to other colleges or jobs
• Lying about a family member dying in order to get an extension for an assignment or test
• Breaking into the school computer system to change grades
• Beginning an online test before a proctor is present
• Continuing to work on a timed test after the time is up
• Attempting to bribe TA’s or teachers to change a grade
• Claiming fake medical procedures in order to get an extension for an assignment
• How schools handle Academic Misconduct allegations 

Usually when a student is accused of academic misconduct 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 not 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

So, what happens if a student does get accused of plagiarism? Depending on the severity of the conviction, 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. Schools have become more vigilant in trying to detect plagiarism and use numerous ways to find it. 

Being found responsible for academic misconduct 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 wont 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 academic misconduct 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 516-742-2300 for a free consultation where I will discuss your situation and give you advice on your best course of action.

Past Client Testimonials

Past Client Testimonials

I am a student who was falsely accused of a Title IX offense. At first, I thought I could handle the school’s procedures by myself without an attorney, but things started getting complicated. At that point, I knew I needed professional help. Even though I was falsely accused, the procedure needs an expert to navigate through the school’s rules. Scott has confidence due to his experience in Title IX cases in other universities who all have different rules and procedures regarding Title IX.  Scott was always available to answer my calls and text messages. He gave 110% into my preparation and defense hearing, and met with me several times to go over any questions and concerns my family and I had. He would listen to everyone’s thoughts and told us the right way to go about my case. As a student, I would highly recommend Scott for representation in any kind of defense and/or Title IX cases.

Anonymous

Mr. Limmer was very professional, knowledgeable and reassuring during a very unsettling time for my son (and family). Scott has experience in dealing with college based disciplinary claims and was very available to both my son and myself to offer practical, wise advice. He was easy and very 'real' to talk to, helping my son get the best outcome from a difficult situation. We appreciated his help and would recommend him without hesitation.

Anonymous

Our son was falsely accused of Title IX violations at college. His future was at stake. We knew we needed to hire the right lawyer to defend him. We hired Scott and not only did he defend and advise him, but we won the case and all charges were dropped! The cost of hiring him was an excellent investment. Scott was honest, professional, extremely knowledgeable and the right man for the job. He made my son comfortable throughout the terrifying experience. Highly recommend him.

Anonymous

I worked with Mr. Limmer on a school title ix hearing case. The chances of winning these cases is very slim because of preponderance of evidence, which makes it impossible for the defendant to prove themselves. Mr. Limmer stood by me throughout the process and guided me at each step on how to go through the process and prepare a solid defense. We worked on it together and result was ruled in our favor. He's really experienced in this area and knows long island schools well

Anonymous

It is with great pleasure that I am writing this review of attorney Scott Limmer.  The college academic disciplinary process was confusing and seemed to be a process that is unfair and finds students guilty. I strongly suggest that if one finds themselves in this type of situation they would seek out Scott Limmer, a qualified professional who protects the rights of students and is well versed in academic college procedure.  I am grateful for the legal advice Scott Limmer provided to me and my daughter every step of the way as it lead to a favorable outcome and prevented my daughter from having a tarnished academic record. Scott was supportive and responsive to me as a parent as well as my daughter. I highly recommend Scott Limmer as he was honest, knowledgeable, and informative throughout this whole process. We are forever grateful to Scott Limmer.

AnonymousAccused of Academic Dishonesty. Was found not responsible 

Scott was super helpful in helping me defend myself against accusations my school made against me. I wasn’t allowed to have an lawyer represent me for me school hearing as is common. But we spent days going over the evidence and preparing my statements and making sure I had valid arguments to make as well as answers to any questions I may be asked. The statements he wrote for me and the trial prep we did was crucial in my case and lead to a favorable outcome. I would highly recommend.

AnonymousCharged with Academic Misconduct. Was found not responsible. 

I am a Long Island college student who was wrongly accused amongst others for academic dishonesty based on a professor’s assumptions. I researched lawyers and was fortunate to find Scott Limmer who is an excellent academic disciplinary attorney. Scott was an amazing attorney who made me feel comfortable throughout this difficult process. He was always available to answer any questions I had and offered expert legal advice every step of the way.  He prepared me extensively for the hearing, going over the evidence and arguments for weeks prior to the hearing date.  I am so grateful that I had Scott Limmer as my attorney and I would highly recommend him. With his legal guidance, I was fortunate to receive a favorable outcome as I was found not responsible for academic dishonesty and I received my final grade for the class with no penalty.

Anonymous
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