Managing a College Administrative Hearing and Criminal Charges

If you’ve been charged with a crime, even a minor offense, you may be shocked when you learned that it has led to a disciplinary proceeding at your school. You may be aware of the potential criminal punishments you are facing, but the disciplinary process can jeopardize your education and your future. As a result, you should consider speaking with an attorney who can help you both face your criminal charges and navigate your college’s administrative hearing and disciplinary process.

The Charlotte defense attorneys at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys can provide you with a global defense strategy that addresses both your criminal charges and the potential consequences at your school. Call us at (980) 237-4579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Fighting a Battle on Two Fronts

While the criminal charges and the administrative hearings are two separate matters, they can overlap in several ways. As a result, you need to be mindful that the outcome of one may impact the other. Unfortunately, many students don’t recognize the seriousness of the administrative proceeding and focus their time and attention on their criminal charges. As a result, they wind up signing their rights away, finding themselves suspended, on severe restrictions, or even expelled from their school.

You should also be aware that disciplinary procedures can be every almost as legalistic as the criminal justice system. There will be notices, forms to be completed, and deadlines to be met. Finally, there will be an administrative hearing that will be similar to a trial, where you may be required to speak to the charges and others will be submitting evidence against you. Trying to navigate both proceedings successfully on top of your school commitments and day-to-day life can be overwhelming and exhausting.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your College Administrative Hearing

Obviously, a criminal defense attorney will know how to defend you against the criminal charges. They can evaluate the prosecution’s case against you and formulate an effective legal defense. In addition, they can help you decide whether you should go to trial or accept a plea agreement.

That said, the outcome of your criminal charges can profoundly affect your disciplinary case. Pleading guilty may result in automatic sanctions being imposed by your school. Statements made at your administrative hearing or made in written responses could impact your criminal trial. As a result, having an attorney who understands the intricacies of both proceedings can give you a tremendous advantage.

Your attorneys can help you with your disciplinary proceeding in the following ways:

• Explain the basis of the disciplinary proceeding and the potential consequences
• Assist you in completing any forms and in drafting any written statements or other materials
• Help you prepare your case by assembling whatever documentation you need
• Speak on your behalf with college officials
• Represent you at the college administrative hearing
• Utilize whatever procedural avenues you may have such as postponements or appeals

In general, your attorney can help develop a strategy that protects your rights in both proceedings and ensures a fair result.

Call Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help with Your College Administrative Hearing

The Charlotte lawyers at Randall & Stump, PLLC know what’s at stake – in addition to potential criminal penalties, your entire future is at stake. That’s why we provide you with aggressive, dedicated, and personalized legal representation designed to get you the best possible result. Invest in yourself and your future today by calling us at (980) 237-4579 or contacting us via our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.