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What to Include (and Avoid) in Your Academic Appeal

What to Include (and Avoid) in Your Academic Appeal

Academic decisions can carry lasting consequences, especially when they affect your enrollment, financial aid, or degree progress. When you face suspension, dismissal, or another serious academic action as a student, an academic appeal is often your best opportunity to request reconsideration. However, the way an appeal is written can influence how decision-makers review the situation and whether the appeal is taken seriously.

Student consulting with academic advisor

Understanding Consent Laws and How They Affect Criminal Charges

Understanding Consent Laws and How They Affect Criminal Charges

Consent plays a critical role in many criminal cases, particularly those involving allegations of sexual conduct, assault, or related offenses. How consent is defined, communicated, and interpreted can directly influence whether charges are filed and how those charges are handled. Because consent law can vary by circumstance, it often becomes a central issue early in a case.

Women crying in a low lit room

Dividing Retirement Accounts During Divorce: What You Need to Know

Dividing Retirement Accounts During Divorce: What You Need to Know

Divorce can be an emotionally draining experience, affecting nearly every aspect of your life, including your financial future. One of the most challenging parts of a divorce is figuring out how to fairly divide retirement accounts.

Senior couples sitting apart from each other in sofa

How Prior Convictions Affect Sentencing in Violent Crime Cases

How Prior Convictions Affect Sentencing in Violent Crime Cases

Facing a violent crime charge can feel overwhelming, especially when your past is suddenly brought into the spotlight. Many people worry that a mistake from years ago will define what happens next.

Criminal offender Infront of judge in courtroom

What to Expect During a Custody Evaluation

What to Expect During a Custody Evaluation

Child custody disputes are among the most emotional and stressful parts of a separation or divorce. Parents want what’s best for their children, but disagreements over custody arrangements can quickly become overwhelming. When parents can’t agree, a custody evaluation often becomes part of the process—something that can feel intimidating or uncertain.

Gavel with mother and child in background

How to Respond to an Academic Dismissal Notice

How to Respond to an Academic Dismissal Notice

Receiving an academic dismissal notice can be one of the most stressful experiences in a student’s life. After years of effort, late nights, and personal sacrifices, being told your academic standing is at risk feels devastating. It can shake your confidence and leave you uncertain about your future.

Sad student holding dismissal notice in hand

What Is the Difference Between Possession and Intent to Distribute?

What Is the Difference Between Possession and Intent to Distribute?

Possession of illegal substances and intent to distribute them are both serious charges under Ohio law, but the distinctions between the two can have major consequences. While both fall under the category of substance-related offenses, the penalties, legal procedures, and defenses available often differ depending on the circumstances.

Handcuffed man with pouches of drugs

How to Navigate a Title IX Hearing Without Jeopardizing Your Future

How to Navigate a Title IX Hearing Without Jeopardizing Your Future

Title IX investigations can have a lasting impact on a student’s academic and professional future. These cases often involve sensitive allegations, such as sexual misconduct or discrimination, and can lead to disciplinary actions that stay on a student’s record long after the hearing ends.

Sad student in college corridor

Shoplifting vs. Theft: Understanding the Legal Differences

Shoplifting vs. Theft: Understanding the Legal Differences

Facing accusations of shoplifting or theft can feel overwhelming and isolating. Many people find themselves in these situations due to momentary lapses in judgment, financial pressures, or even misunderstandings about what constitutes wrongdoing.

Man stealing from supermarket

Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test?

Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test?

Imagine being pulled over late at night, the flashing lights in your rearview mirror sending a wave of anxiety through you. Your heart races as the officer approaches, and suddenly you're facing questions about whether you've been drinking. It's a scary moment that can happen to anyone.

Drunk driver taking field sobriety test