Search Site
Menu
130 E. Travis Street, Suite 425 | San Antonio, Texas 78205
Free Consultation (210) 227-1500

What Lies in Store for an Accused Student in a Title IX Sexual Misconduct Case? 

If you are a college student accused of sexual misconduct in violation of Title IX, you may face a litany of potential penalties that can leave a permanent mark on your college record, preventing you from entering graduate school and even affecting your future employment. Title IX disciplinary procedures can be complex and you need to respond quickly once a complaint has been filed against you.

Every university’s procedures for resolving complaints of Title IX violations must comply with federal regulations. Students formally charged with sexual misconduct may go through a comprehensive investigation. The school will assign an investigator to interview the accuser and accused to get both sides of the story. The investigator will speak with witnesses and review documents and evidence and then make an initial determination on the merits of the complaint. In many cases, a hearing will be held should the investigator find evidence of a violation. The case may be heard by a panel of school officials, such as deans, administrators and selected faculty members.

It should be understood by an accused student that a Title IX hearing will not meet the due process protections that one finds in a courtroom during a criminal case. Since Title IX is not a criminal proceeding, the standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt does not apply. The federal regulations require fundamental fairness to be maintained in a Title IX proceeding. However, schools sometimes provide limited procedural safeguards. At some colleges and universities, an administrator will determine an accused student’s responsibility without a hearing, simply by reviewing the evidence presented.

Students, both accused and accuser, may appeal a Title IX decision to a separate panel convened by the school. However, an appellant typically faces an uphill battle, since the appeals panel’s review of the case is usually very limited; and as such, an appellate review does not afford the student an opportunity to argue his or her case again to a higher level. Such a review is mostly limited to whether the school’s disciplinary procedures were followed. Some schools do allow a review of the case to consider whether the disciplinary sanction was appropriate, but many schools do not offer that recourse.

Title IX accusations can greatly affect your school transcript and your future. If you are a college student and have been accused of sexual misconduct on campus, you need to take prompt action. Disciplinary proceedings often move fast and you may be left with minimal options if you do not seek the counsel of an experienced Title IX defense attorney who can help you protect your rights throughout each step of the process.

Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. in San Antonio defends students accused of Title IX misconduct throughout Central Texas. Call us at (210) 227-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Testimonials
  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of" - Nicoli

  • "I found Mr. Shaeffer to be very responsive, effective, and strategic. There was never any doubt in my mind that he had my best interest at the forefront of his efforts in handling my case." - Ron

  • "When you have been wrongfully accused of having an affair with a student, you must acquire legal counsel before you even speak to the police, even if you are the person who reports the rumors. Tylden Schaeffer advised me to not have a second interview with the police department and found time in his schedule to meet with me that day. After the meeting, I had a path to move forward on and that included a well written statement that Mr. Schaeffer crafted. After submitting this in lieu of a second interview with the police, there were no more problems with the school district or police department. Mr. Schaeffer did a superb job and had me resting more easily following our meetings. I would highly recommend Mr. Schaeffer to anyone in need of a Criminal Defense Attorney." - Anonymous

  • "Tylden has been nothing but excellent while representing me. He’s been very upfront, honest, and cooperative with not only myself, but with my family as well. I don’t just feel like a number, he treats you like if you’re his only client. I’d definitely recommend him to anybody I know if they are in need of legal help. 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend Tylden Shaeffer!" - Joel

  • "Mr Shaeffer was up front from the beginning, and I respected that. He told me they have a solid case against me. He is a very out of the box thinker, and very organized. He told me the sad reality of what could potentially be the outcome of my case, and it was dim. However he asked me what i wanted and was creative enough to deliver at an extremely affordable price. He has the knowledge to defend you, and the experience to win. I’m very happy with how he handled my case. His office is also only blocks away from the court house and he is always prompt. I don’t usually write reviews, but Mr. Tylden Shaeffer deserves to be recognized." - Nicoli

  • "When I got charged with my DWI I already expected to go through a long, painful process from the beginning. But, Mr. Shaeffer and his staff made my whole experience quick and easy with their great communication and professionalism. He was always straight forward and I could tell he had my best interest in mind. He made sure I didn’t get charged with “extreme intoxication”, while also reducing my fines and the length of my probation. I highly recommend him to anyone!" - Alex

  • "Mr. Shaeffer is a great attorney , very professional, very nice and is willing to work with you and help u threw any situation u may have or need help with . I recommend Mr. Shaeffer to anyone who needs help with any kind of legal issues or problems. Anyone who has asked me about an attorney i most definitely tell them Mr. Shaeffer and give them his info. Thank you for all your help and everything u have done for me and my family. You are a awesome attorney! Highly Recommend" - Anonymous

  • "Tylden is a fantastic attorney. He thoroughly prepared for my case and did an amazing job of relating to the judge and jury. I highly recommend Tylden. Would recommend to anyone!" - Skyler

  • "Tylden got my felony reduced to a misdemeanor. He saved my life. I didn’t have to pester him for information and updates about my case and his staff is well informed and helpful. He personally attended each and every one of my hearings and was just as concerned about restoring my reputation as I was. He recently got a motion for non-disclosure filed and approved by the judge so I will never have to admit this mistake ever happened. I would recommend Tylden to anyone! He is a highly intelligent and competent attorney. The Best!" - Anonymous

  • "I was represented by Mr. Shaeffer years ago (2004). He would travel from San Antonio all the way to Del Rio to represent me. My father and I were accused of wrong doing by federal agents and we had done nothing. We, my father and I were on trial simultaneously. We had hired an attorney and found out later he was friends with the prosecutor and wanted us to accept a plea bargain. “We did nothing wrong”, I cried to him. He insisted that we accept due to it being impossible to beat the Government. My father and I were close to giving up when we met Mr. Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer believed in us and fought for us. Because of him, I never saw prison walls nor was I ever away from my family. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, but thankfully we met a Godsend attorney and justice prevailed." - Anonymous

Case Results
Intoxication Manslaughter – Reduced Sentence

While client was already on probation for DWI when arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Client pleaded guilty to the jury and jury awarded probation where State sought prison term from the jury.

Read More >
Contact us

Quick Contact Form