Got Accused Under Title IX? Here’s What to Do
Title IX, a part of the Education Amendments of 1972, forbids sex-based discrimination in any education program or institution receiving federal funding. It clearly states,
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]”
And it is for this very reason that sexual harassment and sexual assault claims are taken very seriously by educational institutions and are subjected to the harshest penalties. However, sometimes innocents are penalized in this process.
But you still have the right to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer if you’re being accused. Only a professional legal counsel can stop your expulsion or suspension, although it won’t be as easy as it seems!
More About Title IX
If you thought that a Title IX proceeding is like a criminal prosecution, well, it isn’t! So, if you are held for committing a violation, you will face harsh disciplinary actions from the school. And if it’s because of sexual misconduct, the penalties are either a suspension or an expulsion.
You might be wondering why an accusation under Title IX is taken so seriously, right? Well, the institution that you are a part of can lose its federal funding if they are accused of not taking a sexual harassment or rape case seriously!
So, even if you know that you’re not involved in any of the accusations, it’s best to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer for your defense. That’s because previously, many such students have been punished for a sexual misconduct or harassment case, even if they were innocent!
What to do if You’re Accused Under Title IX?
As mentioned above, a Title IX proceeding does not necessarily mean that you will have to face penalties for criminal charges.
But the investigation carried out on behalf of your institution might lead to a criminal investigation, and thereafter, a prosecution. So, if you make any contradictory statements, there’s a high chance that they can be used against you!
And despite the serious nature of the consequences of Title IX, you, the accused, won’t have the same rights as a criminal defendant at court. What’s more surprising is the standard of proving the accusations. In case of a proper criminal proceeding, the prosecutor is compelled to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. But in the case of a Title IX proceeding, the whole matter just needs to tip slightly in one direction.
Now, when the bar is set to this standard, it becomes mandatory for you to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. Indeed, the professional might not be able to speak on your behalf, but they can surely help you out in the following ways-
- They can counsel you about the whole process.
- They can help strategize and implement a great defense strategy.
- They can help you prepare for the hearings.
- They can make sure that your institution is following the procedures effectively.
- They can negotiate for a settlement.
- A good Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can also help you prepare yourself to defend against criminal or civil charges.
At the Logue Law Group, our motto is to assist you at every step of a legal proceeding and to extract the most favorable outcome for you! So, if you’ve been accused under Title IX, make sure not to waste time, and call us at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation.