Being accused of a Title IX crime is a serious business. It can devastate your academic, present, and future and ruin your relationship with your friends and family. Nevertheless, as the accused person, you have certain legal rights that you can exercise to protect yourself. These rights protect you from unfair treatment by the school or legal system.
Title IX protects students and staff members from sexual crimes, like assault or harassment, who are part of a publically-funded institution. This law was introduced to offer equal opportunities to both sexes in educational institutions. If you have doubts about this area of law, you can discuss certain FAQ about Title IX with an attorney.
Your list of rights as an accused of a Title IX charge
Being accused of a Title IX charge can scare you, but remember that you have the following rights.
- The right to be promptly notified of the notification.
- The right to choose and hire a Title IX attorney.
- The right to an impartial investigation.
- The right to be treated respectfully and with dignity during the procedure, or at least until proven guilty.
- The right to an unbiased hearing.
- The right to privacy and confidentiality as permitted by law.
- The right to present evidence and witnesses during the hearing.
- The right to review the report created by the investigator before it is displayed in court.
- The right to request inaccuracies in the report if found.
- The right to appeal to findings of the report.
When you do not have an attorney by your side, some or most of these rights may be violated without you even realizing it. You do not have expert knowledge of the law, which puts you in a vulnerable position.
What are the consequences of a Title IX charge?
When students get involved in a Title IX case and get accused of a sexual crime, it can hamper their social status and self-worth. Such accusations can not only have adverse effects on your education and career but on your personal life as well.
- Loss of friends
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of scholarships and financial aid
- Loss of job and professional license
- Feelings of being a social outcast
- Withdrawal and resentment
If your rights are violated
If you have been accused of a sexual crime under Title IX law and your rights, as the accused, were violated, an attorney. Unfortunately, the accusation is usually at a disadvantage due to the sexual nature of the accusation. An attorney can ensure equal treatment.
