Being involved in a Title IX case is not easy, especially when you are a defendant and someone else has accused you of sexual activity. Having a sexual charge imposed upon you can deteriorate your image in front of your school authorities and your family and friends. Fortunately, you can correct the situation by taking the right steps.
If you have been falsely accused in a Title IX case, you have the right to hire an education lawyer in California and build a defense. You will be provided a chance by the school to prove your innocence using evidence, witnesses, and arguments. There are certain steps that increase your chances of winning.
Tips for increasing your chances of winning a Title IX case
- Do not panic.
It is easy to panic when you receive a letter or some other form of notification that your school is removing you for misconduct. Things get even more complicated when you realize that the nature of the charge is sexual. However, it is important to remember that even though you are the accused individual in this situation, you still have rights under Title IX law.
Here are some of your rights as the defendant:
- The right to prompt notification about the charge.
- The right to a chance to prove your innocence.
- The right to gather evidence.
- The right to hire an attorney.
- The right to appeal the school’s decision.
- Do not ignore the notification.
This is not a problem you can ignore, thinking it will go away on its own. Title IX charges are related to sexual harassment and are extremely serious. You must act promptly as soon as you receive the notification. If you ignore the letter, the authorities might think you are guilty and assume that the plaintiff is telling the truth.
- Consult with an attorney.
When you receive the letter, you must take the right steps to protect your rights. One of the first steps is to consult with an experienced Title IX attorney. While you may have enough knowledge of the law, you do not have an attorney’s experience and resources. An expert can help you create strong arguments and collect evidence and witness statements in your favor.
- Stick to the facts and do not lie.
All your chances of winning the case will go into vain when you start lying or twisting the facts. Whether the facts make you look bad or good, you must not bend the truth. The truth will likely come out during the investigation process, and you will lose credibility with the authorities once it does.
