Last month Betsy DeVos, U.S. Education Secretary, asked for a change in the long investigation time frames that occur at universities when it comes to in sexual misconduct cases. This request was the result of complaints made by many college and university students about delays in Title IX investigations.
Title IX is a university requirement that all reports of sexual misconduct on a campus get investigated. The investigated process is intended to determine if the students involved violated that particular university’s code of conduct. If you are under investigation for alleged misconduct, understand that the investigations can be drawn out for years and conflict with reputation, team activities, graduating and even starting jobs after college.
What if I get investigated for Title IX claims?
Charges like this are taken very seriously and are likely to damage your future. Due to the often extended nature of these college investigations, usually due to low staff and no time, you could be dealing with these criminal allegations for years to come.
One of the smartest things you can do when facing accusations like this on a college campus is to speak with an attorney knowledgeable in criminal charges and experienced in working with university staff, campus limitations, and various codes of conduct. Getting ahead of your case can set you on the right path toward understanding specific claims made against you and your legal options going forward.
Even as processes may be encouraged to move faster by people like DeVos, it’s best to avoid a long, drawn-out investigation process that may harm your future. To discuss the best plan of action for you and to avoid costly delays and missteps if you are accused of sexual assault, it can be wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
