Blog Highlights
- LSU students who are arrested for a drug or alcohol-related crime will face University consequences as well.
- Declining to answer questions is not always an effective tactic during an LSU Accountability Meeting.
- Students should contact an experienced disciplinary hearing lawyer before responding to the Notice of Allegations from the LSU Office of Student Advocacy & Accountability.
As an LSU student, an underage drinking arrest in Baton Rouge or any other drug or alcohol-related arrest can threaten your standing at the University. In addition to an experienced criminal defense attorney, you need an attorney who understands how to navigate the LSU Code of Conduct so you can move past your arrest and finish your education.
The Dual Jeopardy: Criminal Charges vs. University Accountability
An alcohol or drug arrest on Highland Road or Ben Hur doesn’t just require a court date in the 19th judicial district. Your arrest will also trigger a notification to the LSU Office of Student Advocacy & Accountability (SAA). This notification will happen even if your arrest took place off campus or even out of state. The LSU Student Code of Conduct alcohol policy applies wherever the student goes. While a criminal court needs to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the university uses a much lower preponderance of evidence standard. This means you could still face university consequences if you’re found to be not guilty in criminal court.
Understanding the LSU Disciplinary Process
The LSU disciplinary process will start when you receive the Notice of Allegations, which is the first communication you’ll receive from SAA. This notice will explain what the violation is and when you need to respond. To avoid making any mistakes that could hurt your case, consult with an attorney before answering the notice. The next steps are to schedule and attend an Accountability Meeting. The structure of this meeting can vary depending on the specific violation, but it will give you an opportunity to respond to the allegations against you. If you are found responsible, you could face sanctions like disciplinary probation, loss of eligibility for TOPS scholarships, eviction from campus housing, suspension, or expulsion from LSU.
Why You Need an LSU Disciplinary Hearing Lawyer
You have the right to bring an advisor to your Accountability Meeting, and that advisor should be an experienced LSU disciplinary hearing lawyer. In a high-stress situation like this, it is easy to make statements or answer questions in a way that hurts your case. Your attorney will ensure that you know what to say and which questions to avoid to get the best possible university outcome and avoid admitting guilt before your criminal trial. Dana Brown is a lifelong Baton Rouge resident with deep roots in the community and decades of experience protecting the Tiger family. He understands specific local nuances, such as how the details of these cases affect future applications for graduate school or professional licenses.
Common LSU Conduct Violations Following an Arrest
LSU’s Code of Conduct prohibits a range of alcohol and drug-related activities. Some of the most common university conduct violations include driving under the influence, possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, and minors in possession of alcohol.
Protect Your Academic Future and Your Rights
It’s important to have a clear strategy for handling both the university and criminal components of your case. University proceedings move much faster than the court system, and SAA does not always consider silence a defense. However, admitting to the violation can affect your criminal case. Parents of students facing university and criminal charges often feel stressed and unsure of how best to help. The Law Offices of Ossie Brown can guide the student through the complex Louisiana legal system while keeping parents updated if appropriate.
Consult With the Law Offices of Ossie Brown
Don’t let a single game-day mistake derail your hard-earned degree. Schedule a confidential consultation with the Law Offices of Ossie Brown or call our direct line at 225-343-1111 for immediate assistance with your case.
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