Attorney for Lehigh University Disciplinary Hearings

Attending a prestigious institution like Lehigh University is a matter that should be taken seriously. However, we acknowledge that every person is prone to make mistakes at one time or another. If your choices led to a situation where you committed a crime that could jeopardize your academic career, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia disciplinary hearing attorney today.

At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we are committed to ensuring our clients receive the unique and aggressive legal representation that they deserve. Our firm has worked with residents of Philadelphia, Bensalem, Doylestown, and others across Southeast Pennsylvania, and we would be honored to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 607-2715, or contact us online.

Lehigh University’s Student Code of Conduct

Lehigh University is a private research institution that is recognized as a premier university in the United States. The student code of conduct for Lehigh University expects students to embrace “intellectual honesty and mutual respect” among a host of other values.

One of the most important values touted in the student code of conduct is a respect for the law. As explained by Lehigh University, a student should ensure that they “act in accordance” with laws at the local, state, and federal levels.

Being arrested for committing a crime could lead to a number of punishments that can be carried out by the Dean of Students. One power granted to the dean to manage events after the commission of a crime by a student is the power of emergency authority. Emergency authority gives the dean discretion to act in various ways. For example, if a student hosted a party in their on-campus housing that provided alcohol for underage students, a dean can use their emergency authority to remove that student from campus housing.

Other discretionary emergency powers granted to the dean include:

• The power to suspend a student and ban them from school operated activities and school property until a formal disciplinary hearing has taken place
• Authority to issue a “no-contact order” to prevent a student from encountering or communicating with students and other parties (typically used in cases involving sexual assault or some form of discrimination.
• Ability to institute temporary rules and regulations in response to an issue regarding a student or multiple students

When using the emergency powers against a student, the dean must also provide the reason for these regulations and inform the student of their right to a disciplinary hearing. To learn more about how Lehigh University conducts a disciplinary hearing, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia disciplinary hearing lawyer.

How Disciplinary Hearings are Conducted by Lehigh University

To ensure that a student’s rights are not violated, Lehigh University has various standards when conducting a disciplinary hearing. Similar to criminal cases, a student cannot be considered guilty until evidence regarding their guilt has been presented and weighed.

Prior to a hearing, the university must provide the student with a written document that outlines the school’s disciplinary process and the allegations against the student. This outline must be given to the student at least seven days before a hearing and must also state the location, time, and date of the hearing.

It is important to note that a student is permitted to bring present information and witnesses to defend against allegations. If a student wishes to call witnesses, this information must be provided to the disciplinary board at least three days before the hearing.

Additionally, if a student wants to retain the services of an experienced attorney to help with their claim, they should be aware of the regulations imposed on attorneys by the school. While a disciplinary hearing typically bars the use of legal counsel, if a student is also facing criminal charges, the student is permitted to retain an attorney to assist with their case.

Unfortunately, Lehigh University does not permit a lawyer to speak in the place of a student. However, our firm can still assist you in preparing for the case by researching legal arguments, choosing reliable witnesses, and offering other legal advice for the hearing. You should also be aware that the university may also utilize legal counsel if a student opts to retain counsel. The university counsel will also be bound to a non-participatory role like the attorney for the student.

Our Experienced Lehigh University Criminal Defense Lawyers are Here for You

If you or a family member is facing a disciplinary hearing for violating the student code of conduct, contact an experienced Lehigh University criminal defense lawyer. The legal team at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates possess decades of combined legal experience that we are prepared to utilize to manage your disciplinary hearing and criminal case. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 607-2715.