Title IX cases often center around sensitive matters that take a large emotional toll on everybody involved. But the overwhelming feelings of fear and confusion that an accused student experiences - especially when falsely confused, or subjugated to exaggerated claims - is unmatched.
The future is bleak for students facing disciplinary action for misconduct. Consequences include expulsion from an institution and the imposition of strict conditions placed on a student. Not to mention the harsh stigma attached to students who receive a guilty determination for violations like sexual misconduct. In some circumstances, students may find themselves with criminal charges and will have to deal with all the chaos that comes with being apart of both a criminal and disciplinary investigation.
Although it may seem like the odds are against accused students, they still can prevail. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, students have found that the likelihood of them getting through their school's disciplinary processes unscathed are increased. If you, as a parent, or a student are contemplating hiring an attorney to be on your side, this article will detail why you need the help of legal counsel, and what I can help you accomplish.
Why You Need the Help of a Title IX Defense Attorney
In cases involving potential repercussions of expulsion and/or the possibility a criminal investigation, the stakes are simply too high to not retain legal counsel. The consequences associated with most Title IX matters extend outside of the world of academia. Many post-graduate employment opportunities are squandered due to sexual misconduct allegations. Students who wish to continue their education will be denied admission with such serious charges on their academic record. And most importantly, criminal charges could lead to freedom-compromising penalties like a jail sentence or imprisonment.
In these cases, it is necessary for students to be advised about the effect their participation in Title IX investigatory processes will have on the outcome. Experience has revealed that students are way too lax about disciplinary hearings, and fail to appropriately make preparations for them. An attorney can coach them about how to defend themselves in a hearing in a fashion that will be compelling and effective, just as attorneys do on a regular basis.
What I Can Help You With
As a Title IX attorney and advisor, I can provide you a versatile array of services. I can assist you with the following:
- Explaining and preserving your entitled rights under your school's code of conduct
- Partaking in any investigation, hearing or appeals process hosted by your school
- Assess and discuss with you the legal options available in the event of an unfavorable determination
- Assist in the preparation of a full and solid defense of the alleged misconduct; this entails conducting a separate, private investigation to gather facts to support your account of events
- If necessary, submit a “litigation hold” letter to warn schools that a lawsuit may be in the works of you are being treated unfairly by an institution
- Advocate your side of the story before your school's Title IX investigator, coordinator, and any other school officials involved in a case including the school's attorneys as necessary, etc.
- Assist you in submitting a persuasive and effective appeal in the event of an unfair or unjustified determination
For more information or for help throughout your school's process, contact me, attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686.
