Title IX Investigation Vs. Criminal Charges at Quinnipiac
Title IX broadly prohibits all forms of sex-based discrimination at federally funded schools and imposes substantial requirements on school administrators to proactively prevent such misconduct. However, just because Title IX covers a lot of actions which also constitute violations of the Connecticut Penal Code, it does not mean that Title IX supersedes state law, or that a Title IX complaint is meant to be an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for acts like sexual assault.
With that in mind, it is very important for people already involved in Title IX cases or who may be involved in one soon to understand the difference between a Title IX investigation at Quinnipiac University and a criminal charge pursued in a Connecticut state court. Here is a brief overview of the key distinctions between each type of case, as well as of how a dependable Title IX lawyer can help handle both types in a proactive and effective way.
What Rights Do Title IX Respondents Have at Quinnipiac?
One of the most significant differences between a Quinnipiac Title IX case and a Connecticut criminal case is the rights people participating in each type of proceeding are afforded. If you are charged with a criminal offense of any kind in the Nutmeg State, you have numerous rights guaranteed to you under the United States Constitution. Those rights include the right to a fair trial before a jury of your peers, the right to remain silent and not have your silence interpreted as an admission of guilt, and the right to have legal counsel appointed to you if you cannot afford private representation.
Conversely, while Title IX is a federal law, the actual Title IX case process is governed entirely by the school responsible for investigating a particular complaint filed by a student or faculty member. At Quinnipiac, all parties involved in a Title IX case have the right to have one advisor help them during case proceedings, but they do not have the right to have counsel appointed to them, and a refusal to answer questions or participate in the Title IX case process may be held against a respondent when it comes time to decide what corrective measures may be applied.
Possible Penalties From Criminal Vs. Title IX Proceedings
Another key distinction in criminal cases versus Title IX cases at Quinnipiac is in the consequences that each type of case can have. Depending on the circumstances, a criminal conviction for an act like sexual assault may result in the defendant facing thousands of dollars in fines, lengthy probation terms, and potentially multiple years of incarceration in state prison, not to mention they would have a permanent record as a convicted felon if their offense was categorized as a felony.
Conversely, the consequences that an adjudication of guilt for a Title IX violation at school could have are limited to things the school can do on its own, such as loss of on-campus privileges, suspension, or expulsion. These kinds of sanctions can still change the life of a Title IX respondent, but they are not on the same tier as the penalties that a Connecticut criminal court has the authority to pass down.
Learn More About Quinnipiac Title IX Investigations Vs. Criminal Charges From an Experienced Attorney
Both Title IX and criminal cases are complex and challenging in their own ways, whether you are the person pursuing remedies or the one facing potential sanctions. In both scenarios, though, the quality of legal representation you have on your side can make a world of difference not just in how your specific case goes for you, but also in what the rest of your life looks like afterwards.
If you have further questions about Title IX investigations versus criminal charges at Quinnipiac or elsewhere in the Nutmeg State, our attorneys can answer them during a confidential consultation. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a meeting, or check out some of the 300+ verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.