Student Conduct Proceedings

Student Conduct Proceedings

Over the past several years, universities and colleges have developed systems to essentially prosecute students for sex crimes and domestic violence offenses within a student conduct process without due process. These proceedings bear little resemblance to a judicial process, yet can result in criminal prosecution and have devastating consequences for students. Not surprisingly, the way these systems are structured make them ripe for false accusations. Even if the accusation does not result in criminal charges, students can still be suspended or expelled from school, resulting in devastating consequences to their future.

In these proceedings, students are hauled into the offices of university employees and interrogated about potentially criminal conduct. Many times that happens without a lawyer present Little do these students know that their accuser has, many times, already been interviewed by a police detective and a DA could already be involved. Then, after these accused students make potentially incriminating statements, they are forced to effectively represent themselves through this alternative judicial system that is devoid of basic due process protections.

After seeing what universities were doing to students, Lissa expanded her practice from criminal defense to student conduct cases as well. That way, she can protect students from the implications that their actions can have in potential future prosecutions. She can also help them advocate for themselves (to the best that they can in these alternative judicial systems with minimal due process), and either secure favorable outcomes or help them protect themselves from an impending criminal prosecution.

Every action a student takes once they are contacted by their university could have implications in the criminal justice system. If you receive a letter from the student conduct office at your university, contact a lawyer immediately, even before you respond to that communication. Lissa has guided students through student conduct processes and kept them in school, negotiated with university staff for more favorable sanctions, and protected her clients from prosecution.