Title IX Attorney
If you are a student and have been accused of sexual misconduct on your college or university campus, you should immediately speak with an experienced Title IX attorney.
Schools that receive federal funding (which includes most colleges and universities) are obligated to provide students with an equal opportunity to receive an education without regard to gender, pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Further interpretation of this law requires colleges and universities to provide a learning environment free of sexual misconduct and sexual violence that could interfere with learning based on gender.
Recently, reports of sexual misconduct have significantly increased. Unfortunately, the manner in which colleges and universities address these reports can leave the accused facing a potentially life-changing investigation and conclusions of guilt without the protections one would have in the criminal justice system.
Each school has its own policy, guided by Title IX, regarding sexual misconduct and sexual violence. If you have been contacted by a campus official concerning a violation of your university’s sexual misconduct policy, you would be well served to immediately contact an experienced Title IX defense attorney to help you in responding to the investigation. Often these investigations involve subject matter that can easily result in a criminal investigation by law enforcement. As such, it is important to consult with a law firm that is equipped to address not only the repercussions of the campus investigation but also the potential consequences of a criminal investigation.
If you are a college student and have been accused of violating your school’s sexual misconduct policy, then your case is almost certainly proceeding in accordance with the school’s Title IX policy. These investigations typically involve a process separate and apart from the general disciplinary policy. It should be noted that there are limited scenarios where a school might institute disciplinary proceedings outside of the Title IX policy for conduct in which there is no Title IX jurisdiction.
The Title IX office will typically seek to schedule an interview quickly which often gives the student very little time to consult with an attorney. In order to properly protect yourself, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible which, preferably, will take place before any interaction with a Title IX coordinator or investigator. The attorney will act as your advisor throughout the Title IX investigation process. Under the new Title IX Regulations, you are entitled to a hearing, and it is imperative that you retain an advisor with experience cross-examining witnesses.
The best defense strategy will depend on your particular situation. Obviously, expulsion and criminal prosecution are scenarios which you will seek to avoid, but the complexities of both criminal and education law require that you seek competent legal counsel in order to protect your rights as a student and a citizen. Our firm has experience handling both criminal and Title IX investigations.
Stephens Law, PLC is particularly well situated to represent the interests of students who have been accused of sexual misconduct on campus. Mr. Stephens is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal law which provides him with the additional tools needed to protect the rights of students in campus disciplinary proceedings.
Contact our office immediately to schedule a consultation with a Title IX attorney.