Because the possibility that a hearing may take place exists depending on the school in question, preparation for a college sexual misconduct hearing in Delaware should take place as early as possible in the process. At a given time, the accused student, the respondent that is, will need to provide the necessary response to school. That needs to be done as effectively and as appropriate to the circumstances.
Witnesses would need to be presented to the school that would support the accused party's version of events. Documentary evidence, such as text messages, phone logs, pictures, videos, social media posts, anything that could possibly support the respondent's version of events needs to be presented. Expert reports may need to be obtained. An investigation report would be completed and then provided to the hearing panel prior to the hearing. This needs to be done as strongly as possible so that when the hearing panel reviews the investigation report, often they have a good understanding of the case, and that's why it needs to be a strong as possible. Good understanding of the case before the hearing even takes place.
For purpose of the hearing, an opening and closing statement would need to be prepared. Appropriate questions for the complainant, for the witnesses, possible cross-examination questions when allowed at the given school. Because there's so much to do both during the hearing and leading up to the hearing, an experienced attorney advisor would be your best ally in being able to maximize the likelihood of a fair process and a favorable outcome at a hearing. They should be involved from as early as possible if your son or daughter is facing a sexual misconduct allegation at their college or university in Delaware.
Delaware colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's college sexual misconduct advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Delaware College of Art and Design
- Delaware State University
- Goldey–Beacom College
- University of Delaware
- Wesley College
- Widener University–Delaware Campus
- Wilmington University
It is critical to make certain the college sexual misconduct investigation at your Delaware school is handled properly and that the accused student's interests are protected from as early as possible during the sexual misconduct investigative process. One major reason is because even at colleges and universities where a finding of responsibility for sexual misconduct charges is made at a hearing, the investigation will set the stage for what the hearing panel is provided prior to a hearing (and what the hearing panel will in large part rely on at a hearing), and at schools where the finding of responsibility is made solely through the investigative process, what takes place during the investigation itself will determine whether the accused is found responsible or not responsible for college sexual misconduct charges.
Unfortunately, some students, families, and college employees make the mistake of not taking the necessary precautions as soon as possible when accused of sexual misconduct at college. Some people will mistakenly believe that if they "just explain what happened," their college or university will be fair and impartial and will arrive at the truth. In a perfect world this may be the case, but in a perfect world, sexual misconduct cases would not exist.
Fighting passionately for the future of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation for many years, Joseph D. Lento knows how important it is to mount the strongest defense because he understands that an accused's academic and professional future is on the line. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a college sexual misconduct advisor to students and others in academia facing sexual misconduct investigations and Title IX disciplinary cases in Delaware and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National College Sexual Misconduct Attorney Joseph D. Lento today at 888-535-3686 or by completing our online form.
