Initially intended to prohibit sex discrimination on American college campuses, the federal Title IX law has since become the primary legal basis for investigating sexual misconduct allegations through administrative hearings at grade schools, colleges, and graduate programs across the nation.
Unlike a judicial process, a Title IX hearing is not a criminal proceeding.
In Ohio, if you are found guilty of sexual misconduct like rape, stalking, or sexual harassment, you could face suspension, expulsion or referral to law enforcement.
Because so much depends on the outcome of these Title IX hearings, you should hire an experienced Title IX lawyer to represent you. Our team at Hiltner Trial Lawyers is here to guide you through these Title IX proceedings and help you get your life back on track.
What is Title IX?
In 1972, Congress passed a federal civil rights law called Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
The law states:
“No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Most commonly, the law is used to for accusations of sexual misconduct on university and college campuses.
But as stated above, the investigations and administrative procedures that universities and colleges conduct are not criminal trials. They do not rely on a standard like “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Instead, they often adhere to a lower, broader standard like “clear and convincing evidence.”
That’s why it’s vital to hire an experienced Ohio Title IX attorney to help with your defense.
What Should I Look for in a Title IX Lawyer?
Although a Title IX proceeding is not a criminal matter, more and more educational institutions are taking incidents of sexual misconduct very seriously, which often means involving law enforcement and the criminal courts.
Given that you could be facing serious consequences like suspension, expulsion or even criminal prosecution, it is in your best interest to hire an accomplished Title IX attorney.
Here’s what to look for:
- You need a legal professional who has a comprehensive understanding of Title IX law and case history in order to mount a robust defense.
- Of course, you want to hire an attorney who is familiar with the legal framework of Title IX, as well as the current policies of the U.S. Department of Education.
- However, you should also try to find an attorney who has had some experience with Title IX proceedings specifically in Ohio, and, if possible, at your educational institution, so that they can anticipate next steps and adequately prepare for them. If you are lucky, you might even find an attorney that has a relationship with your school that can be leveraged into insights or influence.
- In addition to insights into the case law which is likely to govern the decisions of your school administrators, your attorney should also have a firm grasp of the cultural ramifications that such a case is likely to have. Because we live in a #MeToo environment, your lawyer should be sensitive to the public opinion of the community on campus, as well as that of the general public as they could very well influence the administrative proceedings’s outcome.
How Hiltner Trial Lawyers Can Help
If you are facing a Title IX proceeding in Ohio, Hiltner Trial Lawyers is here to help. We have a long track record of success in Title IX hearings and are dedicated to making sure our clients get the defense they deserve. Contact Hiltner Trial Lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
