Rather than keeping an alleged Title IX offense as a private matter to be disciplined by the school, academic institutions often share complaints with law enforcement agencies for potential criminal prosecution. At the San Antonio office of Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C., I am an accomplished Texas criminal defense attorney with experience representing clients during Title IX investigations and criminal proceedings arising from sex-related charges. Knowing what is at stake for those accused of sexual misconduct, I focus on protecting each client’s rights while pursuing the best outcome available.
Any complaint of on-campus sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking or another action that falls within the scope of sex-based discrimination should be treated with the gravity of a criminal accusation. Though different standards of proof are used in Title IX hearings and criminal trials, many incidents that trigger school discipline hearings might also lead to criminal consequences, such as incarceration and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
An academic institution must establish by clear and convincing evidence that a Title IX violation occurred before enacting certain disciplinary actions, such as expulsion without refunded tuition. When serving in the capacity of adviser, I develop a thorough defense strategy to combat the complainant’s accusation. Using evidence and a strategic line of questioning, I also aim to establish that there is insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution.
Both the accused (respondent) and accuser (complainant) have the right to bring an adviser to the Title IX hearing where a school decides whether to take disciplinary action against the respondent.
A Title IX adviser may be an attorney of your choice or someone appointed by the institution. Typically, school-provided advisers are not attorneys, but have simply undergone basic training in Title IX matters.
Benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney as your adviser include:
If you are a student accused of a Title IX violation, or the parent of a student facing an inquest, it is wise to speak to an attorney promptly. The accused person’s reputation and prospects may be damaged even before the Title IX hearing occurs and may continue after it ends. It is important to take swift action to prevent unwarranted harm.
At the criminal defense firm of Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C. in San Antonio, I help Texas students and their families to navigate Title IX sexual misconduct proceedings. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (210) 227-1500 or contact me online.