College Disciplinary Defense
Protecting Students’ Futures
Defending College Students in Administrative and Disciplinary Proceedings
When a college or university accuses a student of misconduct the stakes are high. Disciplinary actions can lead to suspension, expulsion, loss of financial aid, or a permanent mark on a student’s academic record. It is a frightening and intimidating situation for a young adult who has never been in trouble before.
Navigating this process alone can be overwhelming. But you can fight back, and you don’t have to do it by yourself. Andrew Cowan, a former federal prosecutor, can help by providing skilled, strategic representation that protects students’ rights and their futures.
Andrew Cowan
Andrew Cowan is a defense attorney who formerly served as a federal prosecutor. He has decades of experience defending individuals in high-stakes criminal and civil cases and administrative proceedings. He is a partner at the Los Angeles-based law firm of Holmes, Athey, Cowan & Mermelstein LLP. His full profile can be found HERE.
What Triggers Academic Discipline?
A student may wind up in the crosshairs of a school’s disciplinary process after being accused of violating the institution’s code of conduct. Examples include:
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Academic dishonesty (such as cheating or plagiarism)
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Prohibited activities (such as hazing)
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Harassment or bullying
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Alcohol or drug possession or use
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Vandalism or theft
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Fighting or assault
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Sexual misconduct (such as stalking, unwanted touching).
Some of these accusations can also form the basis for criminal prosecution if reported to the police particularly in cases involving assault, alcohol or drugs.
How Academic Disciplinary Proceedings Work
Each college or university has its own procedures for handling alleged violations of student conduct codes. While these proceedings are not criminal trials, they can have serious and lasting consequences. Common stages of the process include:
Notice of Allegation:
The student is informed of the alleged violation.
Investigation
School administrators or investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Hearing or Meeting:
A disciplinary panel or administrator reviews evidence and determines responsibility.
Decision and Sanctions:
Findings may result in penalties ranging from probation to expulsion.
Appeal:
Most schools provide a limited opportunity to challenge the outcome.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Most institutions prohibit lawyers from speaking at the disciplinary hearing itself. But an experienced lawyer can play a critical role behind the scenes by:
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Reviewing and analyzing school policies to ensure fairness.
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Helping develop evidence that demonstrates a student’s innocence.
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Helping student prepare written and verbal statements.
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Conducting practice sessions to prepare the student for interviews and hearings.
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Attending disciplinary hearings (where permitted).
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Identifying procedural or fairness violations that can form the basis for appeal.
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Interfacing with police and prosecutors when campus and criminal proceedings overlap.
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Advocating for less severe penalties or an informal resolution.
Having an experienced attorney ensures that the student’s side of the story is effectively presented, procedural rights are protected, and the school is held to its own policies.
Defending Academic Disciplinary Cases
Academic disciplinary proceedings often raise complex factual, procedural, and fairness concerns. A strong defense may focus on these issues:
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Conflicting or incomplete evidence that undermines the strength
of the accusations. -
Bias or conflicts of interest among investigators or panel members.
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Insufficient notice or lack of access to evidence.
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Failure to follow school policies or federal guidance (e.g., Title IX regulations).
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Misapplication of consent or credibility standards in Title IX cases.
An experienced attorney can build a strategy that challenges the accusations and opens the door to an alternative outcome that preserves a student’s academic standing and legal rights.
Why You Should Choose a Former Federal Prosecutor
As a former federal prosecutor, Andrew Cowan brings deep experience investigating and defending complex cases, evaluating evidence, and advocating under high-stakes conditions. His background provides unique advantages in student disciplinary cases:
Analytical Precision:
He has the ability to identify evidentiary weaknesses and procedural flaws.
Strategic Insight:
Because he understands first-hand how investigators build and present cases, he knows how to counter them.
Skilled Advocacy:
He has the proven ability to craft and present compelling, credible arguments before decision-makers.
Andrew uses his experience to protect students facing disciplinary actions, helping them navigate an intimidating process with discretion, compassion and a clear strategy.
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