If you are a student at a college or university, chances are you've worked very hard to get there. However, all the hard work and dedication you've put into achieving the goal of attending a higher education institution may be in vain mere accusations of sexual misconduct on campus. Sexual misconduct in all of its forms - sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape etc. - is considered gender-based discrimination, which is strictly prohibited by Title IX. Colleges and universities in compliance with Title IX (the vast majority of them in the nation) are required to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct and conduct grievance and disciplinary actions to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Why would I need a Title IX defense attorney?
In recent times, respondents have discovered that sometimes schools don't play by their own rules. The Department of Education has put immense pressure on higher education institutions to handle cases to their likeness. The failure to do so often leads to the loss of federal funding for schools. With so much at stake, schools have decided to mitigate sexual misconduct cases in favor of the accuser to appease the DOE. When this occurs, accused students are disadvantaged, they oftentimes experience a lack of due process and are stripped of some of the rights they are entitled to by the school. As a result of this unfair treatment, innocent accused students, staff and faculty find themselves expelled, fired or facing criminal charges.
What to look for in a Title IX attorney
Experience
It's important to understand that not every attorney has the tools equipped to adequately represent you. In your search to find the right Title IX defense attorney for your circumstance, it would be in your best interest to establish that this attorney has taken on cases like yours before. Your attorney should also be well-versed in the policies at your school as well as the federal and state laws that govern said policies.
Empathy
Students, staff, and faculty who are facing allegations of sexual misconduct encounter numerous challenges throughout Title IX processes. The stigma of such crimes in society oftentimes causes people to lose their friends and acquaintances, and lose their good standing in their community, even if the allegations may be false. During such tumultuous times, it's going to be important to have someone who empathizes with the things you are going through. When an attorney understands how you feel, you are more likely to open up about your account of the perceived assault and voice your questions and concerns. The more information your attorney has to attempt to build a case, the better.
Title IX Attorney
When your professional and educational future, and more importantly, your freedom is potentially at stake, it is crucial you choose the right attorney to protect your rights. Skilled legal professional Joseph D. Lento has extensive experience successfully representing clients who have been in your position throughout the United States.. He understands that these allegations have the power to significantly impact your life and that you need the best possible result. Contact him today for help at 888-535-3686.
