The first time you are caught plagiarizing, will the College let you away with it as long as you don't do it again?
Depends. Some colleges (online especially) encourage it. They make money by keeping students enrolled.
Real colleges have standards, and the consequences vary. Most have student Juries who hear each case and decide. My guess is that half of first time offenders are put onprobation, but it depends on what they plagarized, why, and on what document. A doctorial student would be held to more draconian standards than a freshman student on a short essay.
I agree with Bobpursley.
A young friend of mine had a nightmarish experience last year as a freshman at a major state university. Because of fatigue, illness, and confusion she copied several sentences from a textbook for a short, non-graded paper. She was caught and turned into the Honors Council. They found her guilty of plagiarism and sentenced her to withdrawing from the university for a semester, even though she had had an impeccable record. She appealed the decision and finally won with only a warning and a penalty of several hours of community service. In the process she went through hell and was suicidal for a while.
Don't let plagiarizing even tempt you!
I am not a legal expert, but I can provide some general information on the topic. It's important to note that every college or educational institution may have its own policies and procedures regarding plagiarism. Generally, the first time someone is caught plagiarizing, the consequences can vary depending on the institution's policies, severity of the offense, and individual circumstances.
In some cases, colleges have specific procedures for dealing with plagiarism, which might include penalties such as receiving a failing grade for the assignment, being required to redo the assignment, probation, or even suspension or expulsion. Some institutions may offer educational programs and resources to help students understand and avoid plagiarism in the future.
If you are concerned about the consequences of plagiarism, I recommend reviewing your college's academic integrity policy to understand the specific ramifications. It's always best to stay honest and avoid plagiarism altogether by properly citing and referencing any sources you use in your work. If you have any doubts about what constitutes plagiarism, seeking guidance from professors or academic advisors can also be helpful.