Hartford Title IX Sexual Assault Lawyer
As a federally funded institution, the University of Hartford must comply with federal law. More specifically, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments which protects its students, faculty, and staff members from all forms of sex-based Discrimination and Harassment while on campus. This means the university has a legal obligation to investigate and potentially impose sanctions in response to allegations of Sexual Assaults on campus. This is an obligation that UHart’s Title IX office takes very seriously.
Title IX investigations over allegations of Sexual Assault are not the same as criminal charges for the same type of offense, but both cases can and often do advance simultaneously. Guidance from a seasoned Title IX attorney could be vital to handling both processes as effectively as possible. If an investigation of this nature is pending against you or you suspect one soon will be, you should prioritize contacting a Hartford Title IX Sexual Assault lawyer from Mark Sherman Law.
How Does the University Define Sexual Assault?
For Title IX investigation and enforcement, the University of Hartford defines Sexual Assault as any of the following actions:
- Any penetration whatsoever of someone else’s vagina or anus with any body part or object without the consent of that person;
- Any penetration whatsoever of someone else’s mouth with a sex organ without the consent of that person;
- Physical contact with someone else’s intimate areas without the consent of that person and expressly for the actor’s sexual gratification;
- Non-forcible sexual intercourse with someone who is under the age of 16 and therefore materially unable to consent to sex under Connecticut state law; and/or
- Non-forcible sexual intercourse with someone who, based on familial relation, Connecticut law prohibits the actor from marrying.
UHart also expressly defines consent as something that must be freely and actively given, cannot be given by someone asleep or incapacitated by any intoxicating substance, and such consent can be withdrawn at any time. During a confidential consultation, a Hartford Title IX Sexual Assault attorney can provide further guidance on how school officials can approach this matter.
Understanding the Title IX Conduct Process
UHart handles Title IX violations involving Sexual Harassment or Sexual Misconduct through its Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. This conduct process resembles criminal court proceedings in some ways. You are required to attend a hearing to contest the allegations being brought against you, and you have the right to a hearing. Our experienced Title IX Sexual Assault Lawyers can help you prepare for that hearing.
UHart determines culpability for conduct violations, including Title IX offenses, based on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This is not as strict as the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard that criminal prosecutors must meet to obtain a criminal conviction. As a result, there could be speculation, subjective witness statements, and even hearsay allowed as conclusive evidence against you during the proceeding, especially if you try to face the proceeding without help from qualified legal counsel.
Work With a Title IX Sexual Assault Attorney in Hartford
Sexual Assault allegations are serious matters, regardless of how they arise or who the allegations involve. Even if you are not criminally charged based on such an accusation, you may still face an investigation from UHart’s Title IX Coordinator and its Office of Student Conduct. This could lead to sanctions such as loss of on-campus privileges, probation, suspension from school, or even expulsion.
You have help available from a dependable Hartford Title IX Sexual Assault lawyer who can manage your unique case as effectively as possible and maximize your chances of a favorable resolution. Call Mark Sherman Law today to discuss your options, or click here to read some of the 300+ verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile.