Talking during the hearing is obviously an important part of the process but there's so much more to the college sexual misconduct process than just that aspect of the case itself. An experienced attorney advisor experiencing college sexual misconduct cases can help do everything within his power to try to ensure a fair process and a favorable outcome. There are so many steps prior to the hearing that need to be taken to both make sure that the process is fair and appropriate to the circumstances and to, as importantly, mount the strongest possible defense.
During the course of the investigation, just to put it simply at the moment, an investigation report would be prepared and presented to the hearing panel. The hearing panel reads that investigation report before the hearing even takes place and if it's done properly, the hearing panel for all intents and purposes may have their minds made up before the hearing itself. Obviously, it's more involved in that but certainly, you could set the proper stage at the hearing. That's what needs to take place.
So much is at stake. You can't depend on the school to be looking out for an accused party's rights and interests. You need to have somebody in your corner fighting every step of the way to make sure that again, it's a fair process and to try to achieve a favorable outcome.