Title IX and Education

Respondent

If you have been accused of sexual assault, you may have the following questions:

I have been accused of sexual assault. Do I need a criminal attorney?

You should consult with a criminal attorney if the criminal justice system has been involved in this process, and/or you are facing criminal charges. However, if your sexual assault charge is at the school level only, you will instead want to involve an attorney with experience in Title IX, education laws, and college disciplinary matters. This attorney's unique insight will provide you with the assistance you need to ensure your strongest defense.

At what stage of the disciplinary process should I call an attorney?

it’s best to contact a college disciplinary lawyer as soon as you receive notice of a violation of your school’s policies. While you may hesitate due to concerns about cost or formality, remember that your education is at stake. The earlier you seek legal counsel, the more time your attorney has to build a strong defense, making it a valuable investment in your future.

My college does not allow attorneys to speak during the disciplinary process, so why do I need one?

Even if your college does not permit attorneys to speak during hearings, having legal representation is still crucial. Your attorney can provide strategic guidance, observe proceedings, and help shape your defense. Much of their advocacy occurs behind the scenes through drafting, strategizing, and preparing you for interviews and hearings

Do I have a defense if there are no witnesses to the event in question?

Yes. In many sexual misconduct cases, the only witnesses are the accused and the complainant. However, a strong defense can still be built using evidence such as witness accounts from before and after the alleged incident. An experienced college disciplinary lawyer can determine which witnesses and evidence are most relevant to your case.

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"You don't need to look any further, you've found the right attorney. I found Kimberly Lau late in the process of refuting an unfounded complaint against me. From our first conversation, I was deeply impressed by Kimberly’s incisive understanding of the situation and her robust and comprehensive plan of defense."

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