New Jersey Cheating Accusation Lawyer

Charles Schalk is a New Jersey cheating accusation attorney who is committed to protecting the rights and interests of students. As the former General Counsel for a New Jersey college, Mr. Schalk has unique expertise in education law. We have what it takes to handle even the most serious of cases. A cheating allegation could destroy the academic career. It could even lead to a college or graduate student being expelled. If you or your student was accused of academic dishonesty, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today to set up a strictly confidential, no obligation initial consultation with a top-tier New Jersey cheating accusation lawyer. 

We Handle the Full Range of Cheating Accusations in New Jersey

Cheating in any type of academic setting is a very serious matter. Colleges, universities, and other programs look harshly on these allegations. According to data from the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), as many as one-third of all college/university students admit in anonymous surveys to having cheated on at least one exam. Charles Z. Schalk is a New Jersey education lawyer who helps students and their families navigate all types of cheating allegations. We work with high school students, college students, and graduate students. Along with other types of cheating allegations, our firm has the experience needed to assist clients with: 

  • Plagiarism: Broadly defined, plagiarism involves presenting someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own without the proper attribution. It is one of the most common forms of academic dishonesty and can include copying text, ideas, images, or data. Consequences of plagiarism can range from failing the assignment to more severe academic sanctions such as expulsion. If you are facing plagiarism allegations in New Jersey, we are here to help. 
  • Dual Submission: Also referred to as “double dipping”, dual submission happens when a student submits the same work or substantial portions thereof for credit in more than one class without prior permission from all instructors involved. It is a practice that can mislead instructors about the amount of original work produced by the student for each course. Academic policies often explicitly prohibit this practice. 
  • Fabrication of Data: Fabrication involves making up data, sources, or other information for the purpose of completing an academic assignment or advancing academic work. It is a form of cheating that is particularly serious in research contexts where integrity of data is critically important. Detection of fabricated data can lead to harsh penalties. 
  • Misuse of Computers: Colleges and universities often have rules and regulations in place for the use of computers, especially in the context of taking examinations. Misuse of computers in an academic setting includes using unauthorized software to complete assignments, hacking into school systems to alter grades or access exam questions, and using computers to engage in unauthorized collaboration.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Issues: The rise of consumer-based artificial intelligence (AI) products has changed education. It has also raised some concerns regarding potential cheating. AI issues in academics involve using AI tools to complete assignments without disclosure or in violation of academic policies. Some examples include the use of AI-driven content generation tools to write essays, solve problems, or even take tests.
  • Bribery: Bribery in an academic context involves offering money, gifts, or other benefits to an instructor or another decision-maker in exchange for unearned academic advantages such as higher grades or exam answers. If you or your student is facing any type of bribery allegation, we are here to help. Contact our New Jersey education lawyer today. 
  • Cheating Conspiracy: A cheating conspiracy occurs when two or more students collaborate to cheat on an assignment or exam in a premeditated manner. Depending on the specific circumstances, it may include sharing answers during an exam, collaborating on individual assignments, or even paying a third party to complete work. When multiple students are allegedly involved in a conspiracy, the disciplinary process can be especially complicated. 

What are the Penalties for Academic Cheating?

Academic dishonesty can be punished extremely harshly in New Jersey. Students who are facing allegations should have a full understanding of the potential sanctions that they could be imposed if they are found guilty of the offense. Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, a student in New Jersey may face any of the following types of punishment: 

  • Failing an assignment; 
  • Failing an entire class; 
  • Forced withdrawal from a class; 
  • Suspension for a semester, year, or longer; or
  • Expulsion from the program. 

Charles Z. Schalk is an Experienced New Jersey Cheating Accusation Attorney

As a student, your academic career matters. An accusation of cheating could seriously derail your future. In the most severe cases, allegations of plagiarism, fabrication of data, or another type of cheating could even lead to an expulsion. Notably, the disciplinary process for allegations of academic dishonesty is often handled internally by a college or university. As such, students need an advocate with a full understanding of how the system works. Charles Z. Schalk is a New Jersey education lawyer with the skills and experience to protect the rights of students. The former General Counsel for a New Jersey college, he understands how educational institutions operate. Among other things, our New Jersey cheating accusation attorney is prepared to: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer your legal questions; 
  • Investigate the allegations of cheating—gathering relevant evidence; 
  • Represent you in any negotiations with the college or university; and
  • Develop a comprehensive, personalized strategy to protect your rights. 

Contact Our New Jersey Academic Cheating Accusation Attorney Today

Charles Z. Schalk is an experienced New Jersey education law attorney. We put the rights and future of students first. If you or your college student is facing a serious cheating allegation, please do not hesitate to contact us today to set up a fully confidential, no commitment initial case review. We represent students who are facing cheating allegations throughout New Jersey.