<p>Hi, I didn't know if this was the right forum to post in, but I'd like an adult's perspective about the situation, maybe even people who are familiar with the legal system.</p>
<p>About a month and a half ago, I walked into my residence hall and they were checking bags. My guest had alcohol and the security guard took it and called the cops on me saying that it was my responsibility and told the guest to leave. The police came and wrote a report and sent my information to the Student Code of Conduct. Two weeks later, the Resident Director of my building called me in, I told him the situation and they asked for a written statement from me and my friend about what really happened but because I was charged they would have to find me responsible for something. Due to the written statements, they recharged us and another two weeks later I had another hearing. They found me responsible for being present in front of alcohol and that my guest was in violation so they took away my guest card and made me take an online alcohol class. The Resident Director told me it was sealed and everything was final and I received a letter on official letterhead from the university detailing my sanctions and that the decision was final. Today was my friend's hearing and he said that they're trying to get me and him to have a meeting together and they're going to recharge both of us again. Is this something that they can do even though I have a letter stating that the decision was final and the appeal process for me is already over? How should I attack this? I still haven't received a letter from the Resident Director regarding the new email yet. This whole thing feels so unprofessional with the time its taken for them to get back to me about things...If found responsible the can fine me 250 dollars.</p>
<p>This really sucks because I thought I was at the top of the world this last week, I won a free book and got a 2000 dollar scholarship to go back to Israel for 2 weeks over winter break. My dad passed away last year and this Saturday would have been his 61st birthday, I really dont need this added stress. Also, if the student government questions my judicial record, I could potentially get kicked off as well. I feel like they can't do anything though after a final decision. This is also in PA if that helps any...Thank you!</p>
<p>well they said that since the police charged me with a violation of state law and said the alcohol was present that i had to be charged with something…</p>
<p>This is confusing. Who “charged” you? Are you talking about campus police or real police? It’s hard for me to believe that being in the presence of someone with alcohol could be a violation of state law, but I don’t know PA. Are you concerned about a criminal charge or about a school disciplinary action (or both)? One thing you should do is look at your school’s code of conduct to see what procedures must be followed. If you’re facing a criminal charge, you need an attorney ASAP.</p>
<p>You need to discern whether there are actual criminal charges being brought against you (like possession of alcohol by a minor, etc) by actual law enforcement, or whether this is an internal student matter. It’s possible that it is both. If you are being charged by authorities, you need to ask for counsel (they must provide it for free) and refuse to talk until you have advice of counsel. </p>
<p>For school charges, you should seek the assistance of a student advocacy group on campus (most schools have them). Normal legal procedures and theories (presumption of innocence, for example) don’t always apply to university justice systems. You may not even be allowed to have legal representation in your hearing. It’s ridiculous, but universities can more or less do whatever they want internally (the label of Kangaroo Court never more aptly applied). </p>
<p>My best advice to you is to stop talking/writing/etc. Find out by whom and with what you are being charged with. Get counsel if there is any whiff of a criminal charge. Seek advice of student advocacy groups for internal charges. Good luck.</p>
<p>It is civil through the university. The charge was from campus police who then refer it to the university judicial system. We don’t have a student advocacy group that deals with these kind of issues. All that I’m concerned about is that they already sanctioned me which is fine, but I think they are trying to give me more sanctions after a new testimony, even though I completed the sanctions and a letter they sent me said the sanctions were final. I really don’t think they should be able to reopen the case or anything like that if the sanctions are completed and I’m told its final. The Code of Conduct doesn’t say anything about this situation because it is already an interesting situation. I was thinking of going downtown to a free legal advice place if they try to pursue something.</p>