Are you or a loved one facing allegations of sexual misconduct, academic dishonesty or other disciplinary issues from a college or university? Hacker Murphy is here to help.
Sometimes students make a mistake, leading to disciplinary action. But we have found that in many cases, the “mistake” is actually a false or unjust accusation filed against our client, or a bureaucratic mishap that leads to a student being wrongly accused.
Our law firm regularly represents college students in disciplinary proceedings, which can result in suspension, expulsion, or possible parallel criminal charges, and have long-lasting, even permanent, effects on a student’s educational and professional life. We believe that no allegation against a student should ever ruin the rest of that student’s life. We vigorously defend each student and strive to eliminate or minimize the consequences of the college disciplinary process.
Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
Hacker Murphy represents individuals accused of all forms of sexual misconduct including dating violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault. These cases, also called Title IX cases, are different from other types of disciplinary matters because the nature of the allegations are often extremely sensitive for all parties involved.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. It also requires institutions to investigate and address complaints related to sexual misconduct.
What can happen if I am charged in a Title IX case?
The potential consequences are quite serious. A negative determination often results in a notation on the student’s transcript, signaling to all – including future employers and graduate schools – that the student was found responsible for committing sexual misconduct.
In addition, Title IX disciplinary proceedings by a college or university often run in parallel with a civil lawsuit, criminal prosecution, or both, which can have life-altering – and potentially lifelong – consequences. And statements made during the college’s disciplinary proceedings could be admissible as evidence in the related civil or criminal case.
It is important to know that students have the right to legal representation in Title IX matters. Having an attorney and ally by your side through the process is extremely helpful, Hacker Murphy has served in that role for many students at colleges in the Capital District Region, throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Each college and university has its own rules governing disciplinary matters, which vary slightly but all generally revolve around three phases: an investigation, a hearing, and an appeal. Each phase requires a particular strategy. Our experienced Title IX attorneys combine their experience in campus defense cases and civil and criminal litigation to implement a comprehensive strategy designed to protect you and your family to the fullest extent possible.
Hacker Murphy stays at the forefront of developments in Title IX rules and regulations brought forth by the U.S. Department of Education. Since 2020, Title IX regulations have changed three times leading to a flurry of litigation by accused students and other stakeholders. We have brought universities to federal court to prevent them from proceeding with a procedurally deficient hearing. And we have successfully sued universities in federal court when a university refuses to follow these federally mandated regulations.
Allegation of Academic Dishonesty
At Hacker Murphy, we regularly represent students in all phases of the academic disciplinary process, and are often able to negotiate favorable outcomes that avoid the need for a formal hearing. In cases where a hearing is necessary, we provide thorough, vigorous representation throughout the process; and, if a hearing results in an adverse decision, we assist with the formal appeals process, as well.
Other Disciplinary Matters
Hacker Murphy also handles many other kinds of college and university disciplinary matters, including:
- Assault
- Burglary
- Criminal mischief
- Threats
- Trespassing
- Drugs or alcohol use on campus
Past Representations
Our firm has defended accused students at colleges and universities including:
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Skidmore College
- Siena College
- Union College
- SUNY Albany
- Russell Sage College
- Marist College
- Syracuse University
- Cornell University
- SUNY Binghamton
- Hartwick College
- SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Colgate University
- Columbia University
- New York University
- The College of Mount Saint Vincent
- St. Bonaventure University
- SUNY Geneseo
- St. Lawrence University
- SUNY Plattsburgh
- Vassar College
- Brown University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Chicago
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Colby College
- Cardoza School of Law
- New York Law School
- University of Rochester
If you or a loved one finds yourself in trouble on campus, the smart move is to reach out to the law firm with a reputation for helping accused college students. Contact us for a free consultation about your situation, and we will start preparing you for the best possible outcome.