North Carolina College Harassment Accusations

Wilmington Criminal Attorney Representing Students

Intentional, violent, and persistent harassment could constitute a crime if it makes the target feel intimidated or otherwise in fear of their well-being. When harassment occurs on a college or university campus, it always constitutes an extreme violation of the rules and regulations. Without taking any time to defend themselves, the alleged harasser could face severe and immediate consequences.

If you are accused of harassing another student, while attending a North Carolina college or university you could be penalized by:

• Removal of financial aid or loans
• Credit elimination (for completed courses)
• Suspension
• Expulsion

What can be done to protect your academic career? Most college students are not aware of the fact that they are permitted to seek legal counsel for university based violations. With the help of Wilmington criminal defense lawyer, James Rutherford, who has more than ten years of criminal defense experience, you can tell your side of the story. He can help you whether you are required to go to court or before an administrative panel of faculty members.

What Constitutes Harassment?

The definition for what is considered actual menacing harassment seems to continue to expand as the years go on. Behaviors that one person might mean to be playful or purely in jest can be misconstrued or misinterpreted to be intentionally harmful. In other situations, the accusations can be based entirely on falsified claims as one student seeks revenge on another, punishing them perhaps for another incident that was not in violation of any guidelines or school rules.

Forms of harassment that may occur on a university campus include:

• Pushing or shoving
• Property destruction
• Constant verbal abuse
• Using peer pressure to gain an advantage or benefit

There have been several cases of harassment that was initially invited as a form of hazing. University students willingly ask to join a fraternity or sorority and are made completely aware of the uncomfortable hazing rituals that are required by the group’s traditions. Afterwards, the new initiates turn to faculty to report that they had been harassed and now seek restitution. Should a situation such as this really constitute harassment? Or does forewarning forego consequences? These are the questions administrative disciplinary panels must answer fairly.

Your Future is Jeopardized - Take Action Now

As startling as it might seem, if you have been accused of harassing another university or college student, your future has been put on the line. Without a successful outcome to your case or hearing, you might lose your right to an education, which will surely diminish your livelihood for the rest of your life.

Contact a Wilmington criminal defense lawyer today to begin securing your future, as you had planned it.