In 1972, the U.S. Department of Education implemented Title IX laws. These federal provisions prohibit all sexually-based discrimination in U.S. educational institutions. All educational facilities that receive federal education funds, such as the majority of colleges and universities, are required to adhere to the provisions. If a student is alleged to have committed actions such as sexually-based misconduct, it can potentially lead to penalties such as suspension or expulsion. It is recommended that those students who face such allegations seek legal assistance. The Lento Law Firm has the knowledge and experience to effectively defend those who are accused and ensure the proceedings are fairly conducted.
Campus Disciplinary Hearings
To remain federally compliant, college administrations are required to swiftly follow-up on any allegations. A hearing is ultimately conducted where the accused party may contest the claims. These proceedings are not intended to reflect the processes that are used in criminal or civil courts. The federal government is currently revising and implementing some potentially significant changes to Title IX.
What are the Student's Rights?
The standard of evidence to be used in these actions was not explicitly stated in the original Title IX provisions. In recent years, federal guidance has suggested that the “preponderance of the evidence” standard was appropriate. A recent proposal within the potential revisions of Title IX would allow for usage of a “clear and convincing evidence” standard. Students have a right to be accompanied by an advisor at these disciplinary hearings. This individual is often largely limited to a support role although an experienced professional advisor can always obtain favorable discretion on a client's behalf throughout all stages of proceedings. College and university administrations are often found to be in a rush to judgment in these matters and do not always fully consider the rights of the accused.
Attorney Assistance
An attorney will afford you some tremendous benefits in preparing and executing your defense including:
- Assistance with being properly prepared with a focused defense strategy
- Opening and closing statements that are highly effective and persuasive
- Coaching and training relating to responses to the questions that you are likely to encounter
- Compiling strong evidence, with supportive documentation and possible expert input to be presented
- To better ensure that you are treated in an equitable (fair) manner
- Assistance with unexpected developments that may arise during the hearing
- Maximizing opportunities for cross-examination of accusers and witnesses when possible
- Emotional support and guidance amid the process
- Familiarity with the currently volatile provisions of Title IX
What is the Appeals Process?
Many students do not initially realize the importance of retaining an attorney until they have gone through a hearing that results in an adverse outcome. Seeking legal assistance allows the student to understand the appeals process and act accordingly. Those wishing to appeal a decision should act promptly, as institutions often require notice of intent within a matter of days or weeks.
Colorado Lawyer for Students Accused of Violating Title IX
Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a strong advocate for those facing allegations in Title IX matters in Colorado. He will closely review the individual circumstances and evidence surrounding the claims. You can expect to aggressively challenge the allegations and be sure your rights are protected. Contact the office for a consultation at (888) 535-3686.
Colorado colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during hearings, in addition to investigations and appeals, include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- Adams State College
- Aims Community College
- American Sentinel University
- Arapahoe Community College
- Argosy University Denver
- Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy
- College America Colorado Springs
- College America Denver
- College America Fort Collins
- Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology
- Colorado Christian University
- Colorado College
- Colorado Heights University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Colorado School of Healing Arts
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University Fort Collins
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
- Colorado Technical University Greenwood Village
- Colorado Technical University Online
- Community College of Aurora
- Community College of Denver
- Denver School of Nursing
- DeVry University Colorado
- Ecotech Institute
- Everest College Aurora
- Everest College Colorado Springs
- Everest College Thornton
- Fort Lewis College
- Front Range Community College
- Institute of Business and Medical Careers
- ITT Technical Institute Aurora
- ITT Technical Institute Westminster
- Johnson & Wales University Denver
- Jones International University
- Lamar Community College
- Metropolitan State College of Denver
- Morgan Community College
- Naropa University
- National American University Centennial
- National American University Colorado Springs
- National American University Colorado Springs South
- National American University Denver
- Nazarene Bible College
- Northeastern Junior College
- Otero Junior College
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Platt College Aurora
- Prince Institute Rocky Mountains
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Redstone College
- Regis University
- Remington College Colorado Springs Campus
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- The Art Institute of Colorado
- Trinidad State Junior College
- United States Air Force Academy (exempt from Title IX and the Clery Act)
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Phoenix Colorado Campus
- University of Phoenix Southern Colorado Campus
- Western State Colorado University
- Westwood College Denver North
- Westwood College Denver South
Winning a Title IX hearing can mean the difference between achieving one's academic and professional goals or having these goals upended. When accused of sexual misconduct, it is critical to not take the matter lightly and to instead vigorously defend against the allegations. Title IX cases can be won, and Joseph D. Lento has a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at colleges and universities throughout the nation and winning. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in New Jersey, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a Title IX advisor and educational consultant to students facing Title IX disciplinary cases in Colorado and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
