Can You Be Thrown Out Of James Madison University For Theft
At James Madison University there is a code of conduct that every student is required to follow. Not following this can lead to unfortunate consequences for the student. These results range from students being put on a probationary period, temporary suspension from the school and school related activities or, in some cases, expulsion from the university entirely.
While most students know they have done something that can be considered a breach of student conduct, for many, it isn’t as clear what the eventual punishment will be. Many of JMU’s sanctions are broken up into minor or major violations. However, there is a third category for flexible policy violations where a transgression can fall into minor or major.
What Area Does Theft Fall Into?
At JMU, theft is considered a flexible policy violation. This means that, depending on what you are being accused of having stolen, and the grounds for it, your potential punishment for it can vary drastically. You could manage to only be suspended and placed on a probation. However, if they rule that you have committed a major policy violation then you could be expelled.
It’s important to remember that, as far as the school is concerned, you are not going through a criminal defense process but a hearing instead. You do not have the same rights in a that you would in a criminal defense trial. If you are not careful, and don’t come to your hearing prepared, they could expel you.
Understand What To Do When You’re Being Accused
When you’re being accused of theft, don’t panic, but instead approach your situation logically. Are you being accused of something that could be considered a major policy violation? Do you have a past history of transgressions with the school already? Do you need to hire a lawyer to represent you in your hearing? If you go into your hearing saying you didn’t do it without any evidence, or you go in simply asking for forgiveness, you may find yourself quickly expelled by the end of the hearing.
Can you be thrown out of JMU for theft? The answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances. There is a lot of gray in this area depending on severity, what exactly was stolen, and what case you make for yourself in the hearing. To ensure your best chance in the hearing, you may want to hire a lawyer to assist you in that process. While they can’t defend you the same way they would in the court of law, they can still provide you a strong defense which should be your highest priority in the hearing.