Especially when we are young, we all make mistakes – we might drink too much, say the wrong thing, or do something dangerous we later regret. But certain slip-ups are a bigger deal than others and can have far-reaching effects on your ability to get a good job or even finish school. Even if you are typically a good, conscientious student who would never dream of breaking the rules, it is possible to get stuck in the middle of a toxic situation that can lead to allegations with potentially life-altering consequences, such as sexual misconduct.

Getting Caught in a Toxic Situation

Many scenarios that end with allegations of sexual misconduct start off innocently enough. Maybe you're a member of a fraternity or sports team that is known for certain hazing rituals, and you just wanted to fit in with the crowd. Maybe you went to a party and had one too many mixed drinks and can't remember what happened next, but you heard the next day it wasn't pretty – or in line with your usual easygoing self. Maybe peer pressure got the better of you, and you allowed yourself to be talked into doing things you'd normally consider wrong.

Toxic situations are a common catalyst for this behavior. In general, a toxic environment makes people anxious and uneasy – and maybe even feeling desperate – by holding everyone (especially newcomers) to a high level of conformity. The pressure to conform can be expressed through a culture of intense competition. People who don't fit in might be mocked, belittled, or excluded. No one wants that.

Toxic atmospheres like this in a college setting can breed harmful situations by encouraging misogynistic, homophobic, or otherwise prejudiced attitudes and behavior. Taken too far, the behavior can lead to sexual misconduct like sexual assault, sexual harassment, hazing rituals designed to sexually humiliate others, or homophobic attacks.

How an Advisor Can Help

If you're a college student and find yourself facing sexual misconduct allegations, we know how scary that can be. The good news is you can do something about it – you can defend yourself, and the Lento Law Firm can help.

The first thing you should do if someone accuses you of sexual misconduct is seek the counsel of an experienced attorney-advisor who knows how to fight for and protect your rights. Most importantly, you should never try to handle your own defense. Your school has teams of attorneys, investigators, and others at their disposal to potentially build a case against you, so you should have a skilled attorney-advisor on your side as well.

Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense, including sexual misconduct cases. The Lento Law Firm has successfully defended hundreds of students across the country against allegations similar to yours, allowing these students to pursue their promising futures. Call 888.535.3686 or contact us online today to start preparing your defense.