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Representation for Title IX Matters

Seasoned San Antonio Title IX Lawyer Outlines When to Hire an Attorney

Texas defense law firm represents students accused of sexual abuse

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.

Trusted counselor helps clients navigate Title IX investigations and hearings

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.

Benefits of hiring an attorney as adviser during a Title IX proceeding

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:

  • Confidentiality — Advisers who are not lawyers have no legal obligation to maintain confidentiality about information shared by an accused student. With attorney-client privilege, there is a guarantee that what you tell your adviser will not be used against you during a subsequent criminal investigation or civil lawsuit.
  • Scope of knowledge — Non-attorney advisers provided by a school are generally limited to assisting with issues related to school policy, and not on issues of criminal or civil law. In reality, both criminal and civil trials are very possible after a school hearing. An attorney can guide you with the intention of preventing future negative consequences.
  • Trial experience — The adviser who represents a respondent in a Title IX hearing is responsible for questioning the complainant and other witnesses. Skillful examination has the potential to elicit testimony that makes or breaks your case. Advisers who do not have trial experience or a legal background are unlikely to question witnesses as proficiently as a skilled litigator.

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.

Contact a determined Texas Title IX defense attorney for a free and confidential consultation

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.

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

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Case Results
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