The SUNY disciplinary process.
A respondent at a SUNY campus sits at the intersection of four sets of obligations and two judicial routes. That is more protection than most students have - and it is only usable if the record is built to support it.
The layers, and why they matter separately.
The federal regulations supply the hearing architecture. Education Law article 129-B adds affirmative consent, the students’ bill of rights, amnesty, and transcript notation rules that apply to every New York institution. SUNY system policy adds uniform procedures across campuses. The local conduct code reaches conduct outside Title IX. Each is a separate source of obligation, and a departure from any of them is a separate objection - which matters because an Article 78 petition can succeed on an error of law without asking a court to reweigh evidence.
State actor status.
SUNY campuses are public institutions, which makes constitutional due process available in a way it is not at Columbia, NYU, Cornell or Syracuse. That opens two additional routes: a federal claim under section 1983 for denial of notice or a meaningful hearing, and the Article 78 proceeding in state court. Both are decided substantially on the administrative record.
Building for review while the case runs.
Article 78 review is confined to the record made below, which means the useful work happens months before any filing. Written objections with dates. Itemised evidence requests and the refusals. Relevance rulings captured at the hearing with the question and its purpose. Each deadline the campus missed, logged in days. And the version of the policy in force on the date alleged, preserved before it is updated. A respondent represented from week one has that file; one who arrives after a loss does not, and the most favourable layered framework in the country cannot supply it retrospectively.
Why you should call us.
If you are scrolling through search results trying to find someone to defend you, your search is over. You have found Spodek Law Group P.C. - and we are not your average defense firm. We know a thing or two about defending the accused in campus cases - and in the criminal courts that run alongside them. Over 50 years of combined experience, some of the toughest cases in the country, and we have come out on top. We have seen it all, and we empathise with you. We understand how frightening this is, and we have a legal team who can fight and win.
Unlike other attorneys who care about their reputation with the administrators and the prosecutors, our only goal is getting you the best outcome. We owe loyalty to only you. Our lawyers listen to you, your fears, and your goals. We care about your story, and that is where the work begins - by understanding and listening to you.
On billing, we are transparent about our fees, and there are no surprises. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal and cost is a real issue, so we are committed to being your champion irrespective of your ability to pay. Our firm has a simple belief: lawyers should only take on clients whom they can truly help. Many firms are mills that take every case through the door. We do not.
Working with us starts with a risk-free consultation, in person or over the phone. You can ask us anything, for as long as it takes, and we encourage you to ask the tough questions. We are available 24/7, we practise coast to coast, and every client has direct access to a partner. Call 212 300 5196 - an attorney answers.
