Student Defense Lawyers To Protect Your Personal Integrity And Reputation

You have worked hard to get where you are in school. Facing student misconduct allegations or disciplinary proceedings can be a game changer. But you do not have to do so on your own. You have options, one of which is to speak with a lawyer. At Leonard Trial Lawyers, our student defense attorneys represent students in higher education who are dealing with claims for varying types of misconduct. We understand the potentially life-altering impact that disciplinary actions from colleges and universities can have on the lives of the accused students.

Our team commits to handling your case, from classroom issues to criminal charges, with the utmost confidentiality and care to protect your most valuable assets – your personal integrity, academic records and your future. In circumstances where the alleged misconduct could also be charged as a crime, we can help you navigate both matters with consistent defenses.

University Disciplinary Action Can Downsize Your Future Opportunities

The stakes are high when you are facing accusations of academic violations, sexual misconduct, or any charges that could result in student disciplinary action. Securing Leonard Trial Lawyers’ experience will help to level the playing field for your future potential.

The types of student misconduct that may result in school-led disciplinary hearings, code of conduct violations proceedings or criminal prosecution include, but are not limited to:

• Academic Misconduct
  • Plagiarism
  • Cheating
  • Fabrication/falsification
  • Complicity
  • Misuse of artificial intelligence (AI)
• Sexual Misconduct
  • Federal civil rights law Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities and includes:
    • Sexual harassment
    • Sexual violence
    • Sexual assault
    • Sexual coercion
• Criminal Charges
  • Assault
  • Burglary
  • Trespassing
  • Drug possession
  • Underage drinking
  • Using drugs or alcohol on campus
  • Criminal mischief
  • Threats

We encourage you to speak with an experienced lawyer and not to navigate the complexities of the law or a school’s disciplinary procedures or “honor code” alone.

Our Case Results: Some Examples Of Disciplinary Process Experience And Success

Sexual misconduct – We recently represented and prevailed on behalf of a student at a Big 10 University who was contending with false accusations of sexual misconduct. With our assistance, the student was able to avert expulsion and the loss of externships and career opportunities.

Plagiarism – In another case that was highly publicized in the local Chicago press, we represented a former student and current academic professional whose originality of her doctorate dissertation was under attack. We took the matter to the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois (Chicago). Ultimately, the University defendant agreed to pay our client a substantial six-figure settlement.

We Are On Your Side

At Leonard Trial Lawyers, our aim is to help college students mitigate the potentially harsh consequences of school disciplinary action or a criminal record. Do not be afraid to speak with a lawyer. Your future is on the line. Call our office in Chicago at 312-815-6572 or send us an email to make arrangements for a consultation.