There is nothing worse than waking up one day, going to school, and finding out that some student has accused you of a sexual crime. Complaints related to sex crimes are taken extremely seriously, so you should first understand the gravity of the situation before proceeding. As soon as you hear the news, you should contact an attorney.
A Title IX defense attorney with decades of experience in the field can help you gather evidence of your innocence and clear your name. That being said, there are a few important steps that you might need to take once you realize how big of a problem you are in. Speak to an attorney from the Lento Law Firm to explore your legal options.
Steps to take when you have been accused of a Title IX crime
- Be calm.
One of the first things that people tend to do when they are accused of something serious that they did not do is panic and get scared. While it is natural to feel that way, understand that showing such reactions will do no good to your situation and add more negative tension. Instead, be calm and try to think of the next steps you can take. Remember that the law protects the falsely accused until proven guilty.
- Hire an attorney.
The next big step to take is hiring an attorney. While you may want to talk to the accuser personally and sort things out on your own, it is never a good idea. Hiring a Title IX defense attorney and getting started with your case as soon as possible is highly recommended. Your attorney will review the situation and explain your rights and legal options. Attorneys have tools and techniques to find evidence you may overlook or not think of.
- Realize the seriousness of the situation.
You should never take a sex crime accusation lightly. You need to understand what this accusation means for you, how it changes your life, and potential penalties. Even though you are innocent, you cannot expect the police, judge, and prosecutors to side with you and believe your words without proof. By taking the charges seriously from the beginning, you can work towards building a strong case.
These are some of the first steps you should take once you realize you have been accused of a Title IX crime. Perhaps the most important one is hiring an attorney.
