STUDENT & TEACHER DEFENSE

Defend your integrity and your future.

Student Defense

Tom Barbour Portrait

CALL ME

If you get into trouble at school, you may not be aware of your options – or your legal rights. Whether you are accused of academic misconduct or committing a crime, or both, you can face serious consequences on and off campus that can significantly impact your future. University discipline can bring harsh penalties from suspension to permanent citations to expulsion, while criminal charges can bring extensive fines, prison time, and a damaging conviction on your record. When you are accused of misconduct, do not wait to seek help. You need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate complicated administrative and/or criminal proceedings.

As an experienced trial attorney comfortable in both courtroom and administrative settings, I will confidently guide you through your situation and develop an informed, strategic defense with your university’s policies and procedures in mind. My focus on trial practice translates effectively to advocating in administrative hearings, where I will have the edge in protecting you from damaging disciplinary action. I am ready and willing to investigate the charges against you, weigh the evidence, evaluate witnesses, and expose false claims.

Tom Barbour Portrait

If you get into trouble at school, you may not be aware of your options – or your legal rights. Whether you are accused of academic misconduct or committing a crime, or both, you can face serious consequences on and off campus that can significantly impact your future. University discipline can bring harsh penalties from suspension to permanent citations to expulsion, while criminal charges can bring extensive fines, prison time, and a damaging conviction on your record. When you are accused of misconduct, do not wait to seek help. You need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate complicated administrative and/or criminal proceedings.

As an experienced trial attorney comfortable in both courtroom and administrative settings, I will confidently guide you through your situation and develop an informed, strategic defense with your university’s policies and procedures in mind. My focus on trial practice translates effectively to advocating in administrative hearings, where I will have the edge in protecting you from damaging disciplinary action. I am ready and willing to investigate the charges against you, weigh the evidence, evaluate witnesses, and expose false claims.

Student Defense Services

When your future is at stake, you need someone who will carefully consider your individual case and take the time to build you a tailored, creative, and aggressive defense. I know well that procedures for university hearings can vary dramatically from school to school. You should not have to navigate these complex processes on your own. I have defended individuals against a wide variety of disciplinary allegations and criminal charges in the courtroom and other forums. And I will serve as your tireless advocate at each stage of the process.

Person using a cheat sheet

Honor Code Violations

Violations of institutional codes of conduct, especially within complex honor systems

Alcohol Use

Underage drinking, public intoxication, drunk driving, possession of fake IDs, and disorderly conduct

Sexual Misconduct

Title IX violations, including sexual assault and other sexual harassment offenses

Academic Misconduct

Claims of academic dishonesty including cheating, improper collaboration, and plagiarism

Drug Activity

Charges stemming from illegal drug use, possession, or trafficking

Additional Criminal Allegations

Including theft, assault and battery, firearm charges, and many other crimes

Honor Code Violations

Violations of institutional codes of conduct, especially within complex honor systems

Alcohol Use

Underage drinking, public intoxication, drunk driving, possession of fake IDs, and disorderly conduct

Sexual Misconduct

Title IX violations, including sexual assault and other sexual harassment offenses

Academic Misconduct

Claims of academic dishonesty including cheating, improper collaboration, and plagiarism

Drug Activity

Charges stemming from illegal drug use, possession, or trafficking

Additional Criminal Allegations

Including theft, assault and battery, firearm charges, and many other crimes

Common Situations

01

Is your professor alleging you committed plagiarism on an assignment?

02

Were you caught cheating during an exam?

03

Are you facing criminal charges for underage possession of alcohol? And administrative discipline as a result?

04

Have you been accused of an honor code violation?

05

Were you arrested for drunk driving?

06

Have you been accused of inappropriately working with other students on a take-home exam?

07

Have you been caught in possession of illegal narcotics?

08

Are you facing Title IX or other sexual harassment or assault allegations?

09

Are you staring down administrative discipline at your university because of your criminal charges?

Teacher Defense

As a teacher or professor, you will face workplace issues that are unique to your academic institution. You may be experiencing disputes with your supervisors or colleagues, harassment in the workplace, difficultly with contract negotiations, challenges to your academic freedom, grievance proceedings or panels, or even criminal charges. When you are facing administrative or even criminal allegations, you must know your legal rights. I am here to help you navigate these complicated situations and protect your personal and professional goals.

I understand the unique structure of academic employment issues and I can provide you with the special attention you deserve. If you are facing administrative discipline, I will guide you through the procedures that dictate how hearings are carried out at your institution. And if your grievance or disciplinary issues arise from criminal charges, my experience as a former Prosecutor for the City of Richmond and as an active defense attorney will ensure you have an advocate ready to defend you in both forums.

CALL ME

Portrait of a teacher

Portrait of a teacher

As a teacher or professor, you will face workplace issues that are unique to your academic institution. You may be experiencing disputes with your supervisors or colleagues, harassment in the workplace, difficultly with contract negotiations, challenges to your academic freedom, grievance proceedings or panels, or even criminal charges. When you are facing administrative or even criminal allegations, you must know your legal rights. I am here to help you navigate these complicated situations and protect your personal and professional goals.

I understand the unique structure of academic employment issues and I can provide you with the special attention you deserve. If you are facing administrative discipline, I will guide you through the procedures that dictate how hearings are carried out at your institution. And if your grievance or disciplinary issues arise from criminal charges, my experience as a former Prosecutor for the City of Richmond and as an active defense attorney will ensure you have an advocate ready to defend you in both forums.

CALL ME

Teacher Defense Services

Whether you are fighting disciplinary actions, navigating grievance proceedings or panels, or are juggling both criminal and administrative hearings, I have the experience necessary to advocate for you at each step along the way. I focus my practice on live advocacy in many forums, including administrative settings and criminal courtrooms. Whether you are filing a grievance, defending claims of misconduct, or facing criminal charges, I will prepare a strategic plan to achieve your personal goals within the construct of your university’s policies.

Disciplinary or Grievance Matters

Especially for terminations or other significant disciplinary actions

Faculty Handbook Violations

Defense against administrative charges alleging breaches of university policies and procedures

Contract Negotiations

For entry, tenure, or exit from academia

Harassment and Discrimination

Protection for victims of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, disability, race, age, national origin, religion and sexual orientation

Disciplinary or Grievance Matters

Especially for terminations or other significant disciplinary actions

Faculty Handbook Violations

Defense against administrative charges alleging breaches of university policies and procedures

Contract Negotiations

For entry, tenure, or exit from academia

Harassment and Discrimination

Protection for victims of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, disability, race, age, national origin, religion and sexual orientation

Common Situations

01

Are you facing departmental or university disciplinary action?

02

Have you thought about pursuing a grievance for how you’re being treated at your institution?

03

Have you faced discrimination because of your race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin, or religion?

04

Do you need to respond to university investigations?

05

Do you want to negotiate your employment contract?

06

Are your criminal charges being used to allege that you’ve violated faculty policies or procedures?

Learn More About Criminal Defense & Government Misconduct

Do not wait when your future is on the line.
I’m here to help!


CALL ME

(804) 807-9721