Fordham University Arrests, Disciplinary Hearings & Title IX Misconduct Investigations

New York City’s Fordham University is routinely ranked a top university regardless of the undergraduate or graduate program of study. From the Fordham School of Law and Gabelli School of Business to Fordham College at Lincoln Center to Fordham College at Rose Hill, a degree from Fordham is a respected one. On that front, as valuable a degree from Fordham University may be, a mistake, arrest, accusation of sexually or gender based discrimination, or some violation of Fordham policy can erase everything you have worked to achieve. You don’t need your parents, an attorney or lawyer to tell you that.

With or without a disciplinary hearing that can result in being expelled or suspended for violating a Fordham policy or Title IX, there are many life altering pitfalls that students can find themselves facing. Should an allegation be more than one that violates Fordham’s rules, an investigation or arrest by the NYPD or prosecution by either the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office or the Bronx District Attorney’s Office can leave you not only barred from returning to campus or finishing your degree, but with a criminal record for a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Even worse, you could find yourself not in a library, but behind bars for an extended period of time.

College life, although seemingly protected by a bubble from the outside world, is a microcosm of what is happening all around it. New York City sees its share of criminal wrongdoing and while Fordham may not come close statistically, it is not immune. In fact, Fordham Public Safety has many tasks. They can receive complaints from students or enforce the rules and laws on campus. When crimes occur, the New York City Police Department or other law enforcement agency can get involved in the investigatory or arrest process. Taking it a step further, the District Attorney’s Office can, and will, prosecute the offenders.

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• New York City Arrest Process Primer
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There may not be a specific type of crime that only occurs on college campuses, but some offenses are more common than others. Starting with those that are misdemeanors and non felonies, smoking marijuana in public is a crime and violates New York Penal Law 221.10. Possessing molly or doing a “bump” of cocaine is also a crime. You need not sell it although that significantly raises your exposure. Mere possession for personal use is a misdemeanor that violates New York Penal Law 220.03. Fake ID, punch your roommate in the eye, steal a credit card from someone on campus? These crimes, depending on the severity, range from misdemeanors to felonies. In fact, addressing the credit card alone, if you steal a credit card it is automatically a felony even if you don’t use it. Think it’s no big deal, nothing needs to be done and you’ll be fine? Don’t want to tell your parents or speak with someone knowledgeable on the issue? Minimize your conduct because you may have “only” been given a pink summons or white Desk Appearance Ticket? Simply, you will only have yourself to blame weeks, months and years down the road if you do not properly address any arrest, misdemeanor of felony.

While not a complete list of crimes that one may face, the following are some of the more typical crimes prosecuted on campuses. Being drunk, young, or apologetic is no defense.

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• New York State Non-Violent & Property Crimes

Do yourself a favor. If there is a time to recognize you either made a mistake or there is an untrue allegation brought against you that needs to be challenged or mitigated, now is that time.

It is likely that an arrest on campus, and potentially off it, will trigger some form of investigation by Public Safety at Fordham. At that juncture, there may be a disciplinary investigation or hearing that is concurrent or parallel to a criminal case. Keep in mind that the college process is likely going to move significantly more quickly. Should you speak to administrators? What can be used against you if there is a criminal case pending as well? Even if there is none, what are your rights and what is the process?

As much as you, your parents or your attorney can advise you, education is critical to prevent missteps. In the realm of Title IX, the federal law and that implemented on college campuses including Fordham, any discrimination or harassment that is based on a person’s gender or is of a sexual nature is actionable. At Fordham, the Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance is the University’s compliance officer addressing any and all discrimination. For those that involve Title IX, this administrator is also the Title IX Coordinator. For all forms of discrimination and is specifically designated as the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator at Fordham University is the “go to” person for any and all forms of discrimination, but also manages accusations or issues involving, sex and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, rape / sex abuse, other sexual misconduct, stalking, forcible touching, dating and domestic violence, and intimidation.

• New York College General Arrest & Disciplinary Hearing Information Page
• Title IX: The Basics

In the event you are accused or make an accusation that involves these types of malfeasants, you have certain rights that you and your lawyer can discuss in greater detail. In substance, however, the school will speak to witnesses, make a report and give you an opportunity to be heard. If Fordham believes something actionable has transpired, they may then have a hearing to determine that and the potential punishment. You will have a right to have a representative assist you. It is your choice, but consulting with an attorney is wise especially if there is also an ongoing or potential criminal case. Upon conclusion of this hearing where testimony and evidence may be offered by both sides, you can be exonerated, suspended, expelled or limited on campus to protect the person who filed the complaint.

Irrespective of the nature of any allegation, arrest or violation of the New York Penal Law or Fordham regulations and that of Title IX, a finding against you can alter your future in a way that you cannot fathom. Be smart. Nothing is too insignificant to warrant attention. Protect yourself and the future you are working towards. Contact a criminal lawyer or disciplinary hearing attorney so that your ultimate degree from Fordham is one that you can be proud of for decades to come.

Call our New York criminal defense attorneys and disciplinary hearing lawyers at (212) 312-7129 or contact us online today.