Wesleyan Title IX Respondent Lawyer

Being accused of sexual discrimination or harassment at Wesleyan University can be a confusing and potentially life-altering ordeal. Depending on what you stand accused of, you may be subject to a lengthy investigation by the school’s Title IX office. Possible sanctions may be as extreme as suspension or expulsion, and you may also be referred to the state police.

You  have a right to defend yourself against such allegations and could do so by working with a seasoned Wesleyan Title IX respondent lawyer at Mark Sherman Law. Our attorneys can help you resolve this matter as favorably as possible while minimizing long-term repercussions.

What Rights Do Title IX Respondents Have?

You will be notified in writing by the school’s Title IX Coordinator if a complaint has been formally filed against you and if an investigation has been opened into a specific alleged act. You will receive a detailed written notice of the allegation, in which you are named as the responding party. During the investigation, you may be interviewed multiple times about the alleged incident, and anything you say directly to investigators or to other people about the case can  be used as evidence against you.

At the conclusion of the investigation process, the Title IX office will schedule a hearing overseen by a determination officer, during which one advisor may accompany you to provide guidance and support. A Title IX respondent attorney is almost always the optimal choice to serve as this advisor, particularly in sexual assault cases, which may violate both Wesleyan Title IX and the Connecticut Penal Code.

Effectively Contesting Title IX Investigations

Title IX violations are subject to a “preponderance of the evidence” standard of proof. This means that, unlike in criminal trials where guilt must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, the school’s investigators must only show that it is more likely than not – based on a majority of available evidence – that the allegations are true.

Speculation, rumors, and implication from poorly phrased statements can all be held against you as incriminating evidence when there is a lenient standard of proof for guilt. Our lawyers can advise a respondent in a Title IX case at Wesleyan about talking to both investigators and other people, as well as how you phrase your responses to investigators’ questions.

Call an Experienced Attorney Today if You Are a Title IX Respondent at Wesleyan

While being accused of a Title IX violation is always a serious matter, it does not necessarily mean that your academic career is over. It is possible to proactively contest accusations during the school’s normal investigative and disciplinary processes, and you can have help from dependable legal counsel.

A Wesleyan Title IX respondent lawyer can explain your options and offer preliminary guidance about next steps during a confidential consultation. See what past clients have said about working with Mark Sherman Law by visiting our Avvo.com profile here, and then call us to schedule a consultation.