If your children are attending Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s University, or Frederick Community College, they have begun the adventures of adulthood. If your children are still in high school, you are guiding their emotional growth toward independence, and soon, they, too, will find their way. Unfortunately, young people’s brains are not fully developed, and they can sometimes make impulsive and poor decisions that get them into trouble.
Teen trouble can arise from violating a school’s code of conduct, with something as simple as drinking beer at a fraternity party. These situations can escalate from the mundane to what ends up as serious criminal behavior if the drinking leads to driving while intoxicated and causes a catastrophic accident.
Whether your teen’s school is threatening disciplinary action or they are facing criminal charges, a Frederick County student defense lawyer is ready to help, starting with a free case evaluation. Call today to speak with a seasoned criminal defense attorney about your child’s case.
College and University Disciplinary Actions
Parents may worry about the consequences of their children’s radical or unruly actions while attending college, but all schools have adopted a code of conduct that students must adhere to or risk disciplinary actions. These actions range from reprimands and probation to suspension and expulsion. In some cases, law enforcement intervenes, and criminal charges are brought. Common infractions universities do not tolerate include:
- Club, fraternity, or sorority initiation rituals called “hazing”
- Underage drinking
- Using or being under the influence of controlled substances on campus
- Plagiarism
- Sexual misconduct
Schools appoint disciplinary boards to determine whether a student has violated the code of conduct and decide on the appropriate punishment. Although this is not a trial, a Frederick County student defense attorney could play a crucial role by collecting and assessing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and advising students and parents during hearings. However, the attorney does not directly represent students at these hearings.
Unpacking Complaints of Sexual Misconduct Under Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects students from retaliation and unfair treatment by a school when they report to school administrators that they have been mistreated by a fellow student. It safeguards students against discrimination based on sex and gender. Sexual misconduct, which ranges from harassment and unwarranted advances to rape, is one of the most common allegations.
Title IX ensures fair investigations for complainants and due process for the accused during disciplinary hearings. Code of conduct violations can coincide with criminal charges, and a student defense lawyer in Frederick County could help protect the rights of the accused.
When Criminal Charges Are Pending
Raucous frat parties have repeatedly led to allegations of sexual misconduct, including high-profile cases such as the Supreme Court confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the Duke University lacrosse players. Students convicted of sexual battery, rape, or assault may be required to register as sex offenders, serve prison time, and face lifelong challenges in finding employment, securing loans, or renting a property.
They will also be banned from voting and owning firearms. Because Frederick County students can face disciplinary actions or criminal charges for their immature acts, enlisting the help of a student defense lawyer at an early stage is crucial.
Speak With a Frederick County Student Defense Attorney Today
Defense attorneys understand that children often act impulsively and engage in activities that may lead to reprimands from their parents, schools, or, in rare instances, the criminal justice system. So, they intercede to work toward a positive resolution because childhood indiscretion should not restrict a person’s future.
Whether your child violated a code of conduct at school, is accused of a Title IX violation, or is being charged with a criminal act, the experienced attorneys at Price Benowitz could work to protect them. When your child is singled out for their behavior, a Frederick County student defense lawyer could stand with your family in a campus hearing or criminal court. Call now for your free case evaluation.
