UConn Title IX Sexual Assault Lawyer
If you have experienced sexual assault while attending the University of Connecticut (“UConn”) as a student or while working there as a faculty or staff member, multiple legal options may be available to you. In addition to holding your abuser criminally and civilly liable for their misconduct through the Connecticut court system, you can also seek remedies at the university by filing a complaint through UConn’s Title IX Office.
However, Title IX proceedings differ significantly from cases heard in Connecticut courts, and navigating the unique elements of Title IX cases can be difficult without the guidance of a skilled attorney. By working with a UConn Title IX sexual assault lawyer, you could improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome for your case and obtaining the accommodations you deserve under federal law.
How Are Title IX Cases Different From Criminal Charges?
It is possible to pursue a Title IX case and criminal charges simultaneously as a result of sexual assault on campus. However, the focus of each case differs significantly. A Title IX case aims to minimize further disruption to the complainant’s academic career. In contrast, a criminal case aims to punish the defendant.
The standard of proof for Title IX cases is based on a “preponderance of the evidence,” which is a burden much lower and easier to meet than the standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” as required in criminal cases. Additionally, complainants and respondents in Title IX cases do not have the same constitutionally guaranteed rights that they have in criminal trials. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights throughout the process of a Title IX sexual assault case at UConn.
Possible Remedies Through a Title IX Sexual Assault Case
Unlike a criminal conviction, a Title IX proceeding cannot result in jail time. However, if the Title IX Office’s investigation and subsequent hearing support the allegation(s) of sexual assault, the university has the authority to suspend the defendant from attending classes and using campus facilities for a designated period or to expel them permanently from the university.
The university can also provide specific remedies to ensure the safety and well-being of complainants during and after a Title IX proceeding. These include minor measures, such as adjustments to assignment due dates, and major actions, such as providing escorts around campus and housing accommodation changes. The support of a Title IX lawyer is crucial to helping you seek appropriate remedies while UConn investigates your sexual assault complaint.
Contact a Title IX Attorney for Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
Despite extensive legislative efforts at both the federal and state levels, sexual assault and abuse remain serious problems at the University of Connecticut and many other federally funded schools across the country. You can proactively seek protections for yourself and sanctions against your abuser by fully utilizing your Title IX rights.
Support from a knowledgeable UConn Title IX sexual assault lawyer can help your case progress more smoothly and enhance your chances of a positive outcome. Call today to learn what Mark Sherman Law can do for you, and click here to visit our Avvo.com profile and read verified reviews from our former clients.