Wesleyan Title IX Sexual Assault Lawyer
Being accused of sexually assaulting another student or faculty member at Wesleyan University can be immensely disruptive to your educational career. It may also alter the course of your professional and personal life.
If you are facing such an allegation and are named as the respondent in a Title IX case, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Wesleyan Title IX sexual assault lawyer. Our experienced attorneys at Mark Sherman Law could help enforce your rights and pursue a favorable resolution to this high-risk proceeding.
How Does Wesleyan Define Sexual Assault?
Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments requires federally funded schools such as Wesleyan University to proactively prevent all forms of sex-based discrimination on campus. This includes alleged instances of unlawful Sexual Assault, intimate partner violence, and sexual exploitation. Wesleyan’s definition of Sexual Assault for the purposes of Title IX enforcement broadly matches the definition(s) listed under the Connecticut penal code. This means that both non-consensual sexual intercourse and non-consensual sexual contact—as well as attempts to commit either form of assault—qualify as valid grounds for a Title IX complaint. A qualified Title IX attorney experienced in Wesleyan Sexual Assault claims could explain the law in more detail.
It is important to understand that the use or threat of force is not a prerequisite for considering a sexual encounter non-consensual under both the Connecticut penal code and the Wesleyan student code of conduct. If someone is materially unable to consent to sexual conduct because of their age, because they are incapacitated by alcohol or drugs, or because the other involved party has a position of authority over them, anyone who engages in sexual conduct with them may face investigation under Title IX for Sexual Assault.
Intimate partner violence in this context could include not only sexual interactions but also physical assault, property damage, threats, or verbal harassment predicated on gender. Finally, sexual exploitation is a blanket term that covers acts such as allowing someone else to observe consensual sexual conduct without one party’s knowledge or consent or knowingly exposing another person to a sexually transmitted disease without their knowledge. It also includes intentionally administering a drug or other substance that renders someone unable to consent to sexual conduct.
Understanding the Title IX Process for Sexual Assault Allegations
Once the Wesleyan Title IX coordinator receives a report of Sexual Assault, they can and generally will provide various supportive measures to the complainant who made the report. They may also impose interim restrictions against the respondent named in the complaint during the ensuing investigation. Title IX investigations usually take about 60 days but can last much longer in complex situations. The Title IX office will inform all involved parties about developments in the case.
After giving the parties a chance to review and ask questions about evidence uncovered during the investigation, the Title IX office will schedule a hearing to be overseen by a determination officer. This hearing will decide on the imposition of sanctions, if relevant. Representation from a knowledgeable lawyer could be vital during every part of the Wesleyan Title IX Sexual Assault case process, but especially during this final hearing.
Consider Working With a Wesleyan Title IX Sexual Assault Attorney
Sexual Assault allegations at Wesleyan could result in very serious sanctions from the university through a Title IX investigation, as well as more consequential criminal penalties. In both places, having support from experienced legal counsel may make a huge difference in how well you understand your options and how effectively you protect your best interests.
A Wesleyan Title IX Sexual Assault lawyer could fight tenaciously to enforce your rights and ensure your fair treatment from start to finish. Call Mark Sherman Law today for more information, or click here to read verified reviews from clients on our Avvo.com profile.