Being enrolled in a medical college or university can be exciting. However, sometimes, things can go wrong and you can find yourself facing disciplinary action for alleged misconduct in your school. If you are in this situation, a medical student discipline defense lawyer can help determine how to best handle your case.
You can face disciplinary action for accusations such as plagiarism, cheating, harassment, theft, and drug or alcohol use. Also, some kinds of misconduct can possibly lead to you facing criminal charges when law enforcement is involved. But, no matter the kind of allegations or criminal charges you are facing, you must have an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected.
Facing Allegations of Student Misconduct
A lot of med schools identify different kinds of actions as forms of academic misconduct. Medical students alleged to be involved in a kind of misconduct may face a disciplinary hearing. When found responsible for violating the school’s policy, they can face disciplinary action. Examples of student misconduct include cheating or plagiarism, assault or fighting, alcohol or drug use, harassment, sexual assault, and vandalism.
Colleges and universities can impose different sanctions when you are found guilty of misconduct. You could face a failing grade in a course or be suspended or expelled from the school. But, your lawyer can fight to have the imposed sanctions reduced or overturned.
Medical Students Disciplinary Hearings
When you are requested to be at a disciplinary hearing, you will appear before a panel of school officials or representatives who will review the allegations and determine your culpability. During this hearing, the panel may give you the chance to respond to the misconduct allegation and explain your side of the situation. Your attorney can help prepare you for your disciplinary hearings. They can give guidance on how you can present yourself in the best light possible before the panel. Also, they can help you understand your rights and protect these.
How You Could Face Criminal Charges
Some kinds of student misconduct will necessitate the involvement of law enforcement. This can happen when you face allegations of assault or sexual assault. In these cases, your school might still conduct an investigation into your alleged misconduct and possibly take disciplinary action. But, the involvement of law enforcement makes it possible for you to face a criminal charge on top of the school’s action.
A skilled medical student defense can give you legal guidance. They can protect your due process rights and prepare a legal defense to the criminal charges you are facing.