Title IX Investigation Lawyers in Illinois

Statewide Representation for Campus Sex Assault Cases in Illinois

Did you know that the mere accusation of sexual misconduct can put your degree in jeopardy? Title IX accusations are taken very seriously at Illinois schools and can result in serious disciplinary actions, including expulsion. If you or your college-aged child is facing a Title IX investigation, it is important that you understand your rights and what is at risk.

At Johnson Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys are aware of what you are up against. With more than 100 years of experience in criminal defense, persecution, and law enforcement, our legal team has the knowledge and skills necessary to defend your rights.

We employ customized, results-driven strategies on all of our cases in order to work towards the most favorable outcome possible for our clients and their families.

Understanding Title IX

All schools receiving funds from the United States Department of Education must follow the Education Amendments Act, which outlines Title IX guidelines. Title IX stipulates that every student has the right to an education free of sexual discrimination.

Therefore, if one student accuses another of sexual misconduct, the accuser may initiate a Title IX action based on a violation of the student code and the Education Amendments Act.

Know Your Legal Rights

Any student under investigation for Title IX should understand his or her legal rights.

In any case where a student is suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons at a public university, he or she has the right to the following:

• The student has the right to have his or her case heard under regular procedures used for all similar cases.
• The student should receive notice of the charges laid against him or her.
• The student has the right to hear a description of the university’s evidence.
• The student has the right to present his or her side of the story to an impartial hearing officer.

In addition to these rights, anyone facing Title IX accusations may also have a lawyer present during their hearing. The student may also have a right to review written records related to the charges prior to the hearing.

Preparing for a Disciplinary Case

Each educational institute may handle discipline according to a slightly different set of rules. It is important that anyone facing an investigation for sexual misconduct on a college campus understand the student code of that university.

If you are faced with a Title IX investigation, familiarize yourself with your university’s procedure regarding disciplinary cases.

It is especially important that you know how you will be notified if you are charged, how long you will have to prepare your defense, and how you will be able to present your defense.

Conducting an Investigation for Your Defense

In any situation where you believe an incident might lead to a complaint against you, it is vital that you take immediate action to defend yourself.

Any student facing an investigation should gather and preserve any relevant information, including, but not limited to:

• Text messages or emails between the accuser and the accused
• Any relevant text messages or emails from friends or acquaintances that speak to your situation
• Written or recorded statements from witnesses

When you work with our lawyers at Johnson Law Group, your attorney can obtain official statements on your behalf and may employ a professional investigator to help. Having legal representation can take away much of the stress from your shoulders and can also help avoid claims of witness tampering.

Choose Johnson Law Group for Your Legal Defense

When you are facing an investigation for sexual misconduct on a college campus, it is extremely important that you understand your legal rights. In some circumstances, students may face criminal charges for the alleged sexual misconduct, in which case a legal representative is especially necessary.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and defend you in criminal court. Even if you are not facing criminal charges, a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and walk you through each step of the process up to the disciplinary hearing.