(904) 858-3211
If your child is finishing high school or has been accepted at any private or public college or university in Florida, the transition to adulthood has begun. We congratulate you for putting in the hard work it takes to raise a well-rounded child. Adult responsibilities, independence, maturity, and experiences will now shape them without your supervision, and that can sometimes lead to missteps that warrant an attorney’s guidance.
Legal problems can involve the college or university’s Code of Conduct, for example, violating a rule against hazing or drinking at a frat party. They can also amount to criminal acts, such as accusations of date rape or causing a car accident by drinking and driving. Whether your child is facing a school disciplinary action or a criminal prosecution, a St. Augustine student defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. will handle it. Call to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled defense attorneys so we can help get your child back on track.
What Is a Student Disciplinary Action and How Can a Lawyer Help?
All American colleges and universities have in place a Code of Conduct that details acceptable and unacceptable behavior, the process if you are accused of violating the Code, and the punishment you can expect if the violation is confirmed. Punishment is meted out in the form of verbal or written reprimands, probation, suspension for a fixed period, and, in the most serious infractions, by expulsion from school or criminal charges. Common violations of the Code are:
- Hazing, generally during a fraternity initiation
- Underage drinking, which in Florida is anyone younger than 21
- Using illicit drugs on campus
- Plagiarizing another’s class work
- Sexual misconduct, such as date rape
Colleges and universities appoint disciplinary boards to hear complaints and determine punishment for a student’s infraction. A St. Augustine student defense attorney can gather and scrutinize evidence, speak with witnesses, and advise clients during hearings, although they do not speak directly for students as they do in a courtroom. This situation can easily arise for families that include young adults. Problems? Pick Porter!™ to solve them.
Violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 explains how publicly funded colleges and universities address student complaints, particularly those regarding sex and gender, since female students commonly report sexual harassment and date rape.
Both the accuser and accused are supposed to be protected through fair investigations and due process, although a criminal investigation may also be instigated by law enforcement. Because an accused can be under fire from their university and the police, enlist the legal aid of a student defense lawyer in St. Augustine to protect their rights and tenaciously defend them.
When Actions Turn into Criminal Charges
In some cases, an alleged violation of a college or university Code of Conduct may escalate into a criminal charge. For example, alcohol use at a fraternity event may lead to a DUI-related accident with injuries. Hazing allegations can result in serious charges if a participant is harmed. Similarly, a sexual encounter may lead to a criminal investigation if consent is disputed.
These situations require prompt legal guidance from an experienced juvenile defense attorney in St. Augustine. The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., provides skilled and diligent representation to protect your student’s rights and interests.
Contact a St. Augustine Student Defense Attorney for Help on Campus or in Court
Problems? Pick Porter!™ if your situation involves a college disciplinary board or the St. Augustine Police Department. You need the most experienced advocacy in the area to protect your student’s rights and restore normalcy.
Call A St. Augustine student defense lawyer for a free consultation and let us guide you out of the legal morass and your student back to classes with the issue resolved.