People who violate Title IX regulations at a public educational institution may face civil penalties through the school’s disciplinary process or criminal charges if the victims go to the police. If you have been accused of misconduct, the federal Title IX law empowers you to engage in an interactive process where you can tell your side of the story and defend yourself against these accusations. You have the right to represent yourself during these hearings but it is better to call on the help of a trustworthy criminal attorney.
A Boca Raton Title IX lawyer at Leifert & Leifert is here to stand up for you in the administrative process and a court of law. We understand how frustrating these situations can be for those accused of a Title IX violation, and we are here to give you the defense you deserve.
What Is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that forbids a person or entity from discriminating against someone because of that person’s sex. The organizations (and people involved with them) that need to follow this law are educational institutions, programs, and activities that receive federal assistance (like grants or loans). The law forbids not allowing someone to participate in an activity (like a math club or an educational course) because of that person’s sex, and also attempts to curb sex-based harassment.
Even if the government does not fund the entire entity, the organization is usually required to follow the rules laid out in Title IX if it receives money from the federal government to go toward a particular program. For example, if a private school gets a federal grant to implement a science competition, the private school must still follow the Title IX rules if it wants to keep that grant. If the school is a religious organization, it may not have to follow the rules if doing so would be against the sincere beliefs of the religion.
These rules can sometimes be difficult to fully understand, but our Boca Raton lawyers who practice Title IX law have the hands-on experience to help demystify what these rules mean. We will then help you develop a legal strategy to defend yourself against the charges.
What Happens if Someone Is Found Guilty of a Title IX Violation?
People and entities that break Title IX laws may face harsh penalties, including:
- Losing government funding
- Not being able to apply for or receive funding from the government in the future
- Having their licensing or accreditation revoked or suspended
- Being expelled from school or fired from their position
Additionally, some Title IX violations may also qualify as a crime. If the victim decides to file a report with the police, you may face a sexual assault charge. Criminal convictions carry penalties like fines, prison time, restitution, community service, and potentially the lifelong impact of having a sex offense on your record.
The consequences of having a sexual offense violation in your history can be significant and may prevent you from keeping your job or getting another one in a school setting. You may feel like no one is on your side to listen to your version of events. A Title IX attorney in Boca Raton can lend a compassionate ear and serve as a fierce advocate for those accused of violations.
Call a Boca Raton Title IX Attorney for Help
Preparing for a Title IX hearing or responding to allegations can be challenging. You know the charges can greatly impact your life, and you want to do everything you can to get them dismissed. Leifert & Leifert can help you in that task.
Our Attorneys have valuable experience fighting for those facing Title IX violations because of sex discrimination and harassment. We take the time to understand the full extent of what happened before creating a case strategy. Contact a Boca Raton Title IX lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.