Title IX Defense in Phoenix
Serving students & Faculty nationwideHave you been accused of sexual assault or discrimination on the basis of sex on a college campus or other educational setting? If so, you may be facing serious consequences pursuant to Title IX, a far-reaching federal law that penalizes sexual misconduct. Expulsion from school, criminal charges, civil claims, and other serious consequences are all on the table.
The experienced team of attorneys at KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense can help defend you against these allegations. We ensure you receive highly qualified legal services so you can focus on your education. We protect the futures of accused students and faculty members. Call us today to discuss your case in a confidential setting with a knowledgeable attorney.
Your Right to an Advisor
Pursuant to the terms of Title IX, you have the right to an advisor throughout the Title IX process. Your choice of representation can have a direct impact on the potential outcome of your case. While you don’t have to choose a lawyer in this role, a lawyer can provide sage legal counsel and better ensure that you understand what you are facing.
Why Choose KJK for Your Title IX Defense
When you are facing such serious accusations, it’s critical you work with a defense lawyer who is familiar with the Title IX investigative process. The KJK Student & Athlete Defense team has extensive experience defending and advising students and professors accused of sexual misconduct on college campuses. We ensure your due process rights are protected.
Our law firm is nationally recognized for defending the rights of accused students and professors in Title IX cases, campus misconduct claims, and related criminal cases. Our Title IX and criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented more than 640 clients facing such allegations in more than 190 colleges and universities.
Our attorneys have over 60 years of experience. One of them, Susan Stone, was named Best Lawyers 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Education. This award is only presented to one attorney in each category and location and the one with the highest peer reviews.
Our firm has secured numerous favorable outcomes for our clients in Title IX and criminal investigations. We offer targeted legal advice and representation to the accused. Contact us today for assistance.
What Is Title IX?
Title IX was initially passed in the 1970s to address sexual discrimination against female applicants and disparity in funding for athletic programs. Today, Title IX has expanded considerably to protect students and school employees from sexual discrimination and harassment, which is now defined to include discrimination and harassment based on a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation, though courts have blocked this more liberal interpretation altered in 2024.
Title IX applies to any educational institution that receives federal funding. The law can apply even if the college is private or only certain programs receive federal funding. Schools that fail to enforce the requirements of Title IX risk losing their federal funding.
Various types of cases fall within the purview of Title IX, including cases involving:
- Sexual discrimination
- Sex harassment
- Sexual assault
- Non-consensual sexual contact
- Stalking
- Dating violence
Title IX is intended to protect a person’s right to receive an education free from sexual discrimination and harassment. If a Title IX complaint is made, the accused can face serious consequences if the investigation reveals evidence of sexual misconduct.
Title IX Process
Every college, university, and K-12 school must take immediate steps to investigate and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct. The Title IX process involves the following steps:
Misconduct Report
The process officially begins when someone associated with the school – such as a student, professor, or faculty member – makes a complaint with the school’s Title IX office. Each school is responsible for establishing procedures to make such reports and disseminating this information to students and other concerned individuals.
Investigation
After the student makes the initial complaint, the Title IX coordinator appoints an investigator to investigate it. When the investigation formally begins, the complainant and respondent are notified. The notification summarizes the allegations and allows the accused student to respond. It also provides information about supportive measures available to the parties, which may include changes in housing accommodations, class schedule changes, assignment deadline modifications, and available counseling options.
The investigator may interview the complainant, the respondent, and other witnesses. The investigator can request various evidence, such as:
- Documents
- Emails
- Social media messages
- Text messages
- Videos
- Photos
- Physical evidence
The investigator prepares a written report that summarizes the investigative process.
Formal Complaint
If the investigation reveals that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, the Title IX coordinator must dismiss the case. However, the accuser has the right to appeal this decision. If the investigation supports the allegations, the Title IX coordinator prepares a formal complaint that states them.
Some schools end the process here, with sanctions being recommended. Others provide for a hearing to fully evaluate the allegations. Both parties generally have an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
Negotiations
Some Title IX cases are resolved with an agreement between the complainant and respondent.
Hearing
If the school provides for a hearing, the school must follow the Title IX procedures. The parties generally have a right to an advisor of their choice at the hearing. During the hearing, the parties and witnesses can be asked questions and evidence can be evaluated.
Written Decision
After the hearing, the parties receive a written decision with the findings. If there is a finding of responsibility, the decision may include information about the sanctions the school will impose.
Appeal
Either party can appeal the decision. There are limited grounds to file an appeal.
Lawsuit
If the complainant or respondent is dissatisfied with the results, they may choose to file a lawsuit against the school. This case may be based on the school’s failure to investigate or respond appropriately or failing to provide the accused with due process rights.
The experienced attorneys at KJK help clients throughout the entire process. We want to protect your future and safeguard your rights during this difficult time.
Possible Consequences to Title IX Allegations
Educational institutions are at risk of losing critical federal funding if they do not take Title IX accusations seriously. Therefore, schools are often quick to respond to these accusations, often with punitive outcomes. Title IX accusations carry hefty consequences, which may include:
- Expulsion – Students can be expelled if they are found responsible for violating Title IX mandates. An expulsion can impact your future goals and interrupt your studies. You may find getting into another academic program difficult with this serious stain on your record.
- Suspension – Even a suspension can have a serious impact on a student’s progress and grade point average. Suspensions are part of your official academic record, so this indiscretion can follow you for years to come.
- Degree revocation – If you have already graduated by the time the Title IX case is resolved, the school can retroactively revoke your degree. This move can seriously impede your ability to work within your chosen profession and make it very uncomfortable for you to explain what happened to employers.
- Loss of financial aid – Students found responsible for violating Title IX can lose academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial assistance. They can also be dismissed from college jobs.
- Loss of eligibility for student athletics – In addition to losing athletic scholarships, accused students can be forced to withdraw from student athletics
- Loss of leadership positions – Students can be forced out of leadership positions in student organizations.
- Loss of employment positions – Professors, faculty members, and other college personnel can lose their professional positions.
If you are facing these serious consequences, our experienced attorneys can help protect you from them. Contact us today for a confidential consultation regarding your legal matter.
Legal Representation in Arizona Title IX Cases
The KJK Student & Athlete Defense team can defend you if you are accused of Title IX violations and a student or faculty member of any area college or university, including:
- Arizona State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Northern Arizona University
- Arizona Christian University
- Maricopa Community College
Contact a Maricopa lawyer today to begin safeguarding your rights against these unfounded accusations.
How Our Title IX Defense Lawyers Can Help
At KJK Student & Athlete Defense, we understand the serious consequences associated with Title IX accusations. We want to protect your rights and prevent the Title IX process from irreparably harming your future, reputation, and prospects. An experienced attorney from our law firm can help with your case by:
- Explaining your school’s particular Title IX policy and procedures
- Reviewing the allegations made against you and getting your side of the story
- Informing you of your rights during every phase of the Title IX process
- Conducting an independent investigation to obtain evidence to support your defense
- Providing a customized defense tailored to the particular circumstances involved in your case
- Explaining the possible consequences if a finding of responsibility is made against you and defending you from the harshest consequences
- Observing investigations and interviews
- Participating in hearings to the fullest extent possible
- Advising you of the impact of statements and evidence on criminal and civil cases
- Advocating for you before the disciplinary panel and Title IX investigator
- Safeguarding your due process rights
- Preparing an appeal when necessary
When you have our nationally recognized Title IX team on your side, you can trust your case will be in capable hands.
Contact an Experienced Title IX Defense Lawyer for Immediate Legal Assistance
If you or your college student has received notice of Title IX accusations, working with an experienced lawyer who can defend you is essential. In addition to our extensive experience handling Title IX matters, we also provide criminal defense services to cases referred for prosecution. A criminal defense attorney can properly advise you on how your Title IX case may impact any related criminal case and safeguard your rights throughout the process. Contact our Title IX law attorneys today to take advantage of a confidential consultation.
Peer Advice
A Client’s Tips For Facing A Title IX Investigation
I OFFER THE FOLLOWING TIPS
For students who may be involved in a Title IX or related matter, I offer the following tips. First, I recommend that you call a Title IX lawyer before you make any other move. Following that step, one should consider staying away from public statements on the matter. I also recommend that this public silence be countered with engagement in therapy and frequent self-care. Similarly, reach out to the appropriate contact at your school to coordinate supportive measures so that you may continue with your academics. Establishing a list of hobbies and rituals to ground myself was incredibly helpful throughout the ups and downs of the case.
See What Our CLients are Saying about our title ix attorneys
Testimonials
We will be forever grateful to you for engaging with us to assist our son...
Kristina and Susan are very competent ...
Susan Stone and Kristina Supler represented our male college freshman...
against a false Title IX claim of non-consensual sexual intercourse. Current Title IX laws are strongly slanted in the accuser’s favor, and our son was denied due process by the university. This legal team expertly highlighted the accuser’s false accusations, while exposing the university’s many inconsistencies. They were there when we needed them – quick to take our phone calls or respond to our questions and concerns. Without their expert legal advice, our son would have likely been another silent and unfortunate victim of current Title IX university policies. We give Susan and Kristina the highest of recommendations!
I was a member of a fraternity at a public university...
that was kicked off campus for reported hazing. My involvement with the fraternity was unaware of any misdeeds being done, and was shocked when the school charged me with failure to report hazing. That’s when I contacted Susan and Kristina, who were extremely helpful and wonderful to work with. Thanks to them they helped guide me through collecting proof of my innocence, which ended up leading to the result we wanted of no charges against me. I highly recommend their service to anyone who might need it!
You are the utmost professional counselor...
Services
K-12 Student DefenseKJK’s Student & Athlete Defense practice group is here to protect your child’s future. Defending students of all ages, our team is here to make sure your family is given fair treatment when it comes to disciplinary actions issued by your school district.
Title IX
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