accused student defense

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Defending accusations of cheating in college requires careful consideration of the facts, allegations, school policies and procedures, and the impact of potential sanctions on a particular individual student. Not every student is in the same position with the same goals: you may be an accused undergrad student with impending post-graduate program plans, or an accused high school student taking college courses that must still apply to an undergraduate program following graduation. Your individual situation impacts your options for your defense and for your future.

Accusations of academic misconduct or academic integrity violations can stem from misunderstandings or miscommunications between a student and a professor. Accusations can also be levied due to overwhelming evidence that a student cheated. Rarely do cases involve a classic scenario that parents are used to, i.e. looking over your shoulder at a friend’s test answer or writing equations on your leg for a quick reminder. Now, and even more heightened in the post-Covid virtual era, students are being accused of pulling off complex cheating plans, using unauthorized resources, collaborating over SnapChat in real time during tests, and most recently, utilizing artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT to write entire essay responses.

The strategies employed by an attorney or advisor versed in this area of law can make the difference between a permanent mark on a student’s educational record, possibly prohibiting them from continuing their education, and obtaining a just result. We pour over university policies, syllabus instructions, correspondence, and evidence to defend students accused of cheating. We conduct interviews of students and witnesses, develop relationships with investigators and school officials, and treat case with the individualized attention it deserves.

College student representation is our passion, and we have a deep understanding of the stress, uncertainty, and emotions that are attached for students and parents alike. Check out examples of real cases handled personally by our attorneys.