How Does a College Disciplinary Hearing Work?

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How College Disciplinary Hearings Work

Schools have different procedures just as each has their rules and punishments, but most use a rough version of the following.

  • A complaint is made to the School
  • The School will investigate and request statements from all parties
  • The school will make one of the following decisions
    • That the evidence warrants no further action
    • That a Notice of violation goes out and the student is required to attend a disciplinary conference
  • A Notice of violation goes out directing the student to appear at a hearing
  • The student may then proceed to the hearing or they may have the option of mediation or some other form of alternative dispute resolution.

Proceeding to a Hearing.

If you received a notice of violation, then your school believes you have violated their Code of Conduct and is formally charging you. You will have the option to accept responsibility for the charges or choose to proceed to a hearing. Again different schools have different procedures but this is what you can generally expect the procedure to be at a hearing

  • You will receive written notice at least 5 business days in advance
  • You will have the right to submit evidence to be used at the hearing
  • You have the right to request witnesses to testify at the hearing
  • Upon denying responsibility of the charges the school will present their case
  • You have the opportunity to make an opening statement, ask questions of the witnesses and make a closing statement (again many of these are limited by schools)
  • You are notified of the panels decision usually within 5 business days.

The Appeal Process

If you are found responsible for violating your schools code of conduct, an application for appeal may be filed based on…

  • Procedural Error: Procedural error occurs when the policies outlined in the schools code of conduct are not followed, and as a result, the outcome of the case was significantly impacted.
  • New Evidence: This refers to new evidence that was unavailable during the original hearing or investigation that could significantly impact the original finding or sanction.
  • Sanction Severity: A sanction imposed as a result of a student conduct hearing that is significantly outside of the parameters of the schools Sanction Guidelines may be appealed. Evidence must show that the sanction is inappropriate based on the infraction.
 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