Title IX Defense in San Diego
Serving students & Faculty nationwideTitle IX is a powerful law that requires colleges, universities, or other educational programs that receive federal funding to prohibit and respond appropriately to complaints of gender-based harassment or abuse. The law covers physical abuse, sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. It applies equally to a student, university employee, or member of the public who is on school or college-owned property.
If you are facing Title IX violation charges, your education and future are at stake. You need an experienced attorney who can safeguard your rights. Contact KJK to learn more about your legal rights and options during this legal process.
Title IX
What Is a Title IX Violation?
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 provides guidance from the United States Department of Education and the United States Supreme Court that addresses sexual harassment and sexual assault that occur on federally-funded school campuses. According to this civil rights law, an educational program that receives federal financial assistance cannot commit gender or sex-based discrimination or assault.
A college or university needs to respond to complaints or take immediate action to remedy the situation to avoid losing its federal funding. As such, schools are incentivized to respond quickly to protect their own financial self-interest. However, this prompt action can come at the cost of punishing people for actions they did not commit or that have a reasonable excuse.
Many acts related to sex and gender-based discrimination can fall within the purview of Title IX, including:
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Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment on college campuses is prohibited. Sexual harassment can involve unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other unwanted sexual activity. It can also include derogatory comments related to a person’s actual or perceived sex.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults are one of the most investigated forms of sexual misconduct on college campuses. Sexual violence is a hot topic, and colleges that do not respond quickly to sexual misconduct allegations are at risk of losing their reputation and federal funding. Any type of unwanted sexual contact without explicit consent can be a violation of Title IX, including:
- Rape
- Non-forcible sexual intercourse
- Sexual battery
- Fondling
- Other types of sexual conduct without permission
Domestic Violence
Physical violence in an intimate relationship can be domestic violence, including if the parties are current or former dating partners.
Stalking
Stalking involves the repeated following, watching, or harassing another person in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to experience fear or emotional distress. This includes cyberstalking.
Gender Discrimination
Title IX explicitly prohibits sex discrimination. Gender discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavorably based on sex, including their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
Why Should I Choose KJK for My Title IX Defense?
Not every law firm in San Diego is equally equipped to handle these unique cases. We believe you should choose KJK for your Title IX defense because we:
Have Extensive Experience Handling Title IX Cases
Our Title IX defense lawyers have successfully defended numerous students and faculty members against misconduct allegations in California and throughout the country. We understand the intricate laws and complex procedures involved in these cases and can guide you through them.
Can Protect Your Legal Rights
We understand your desire to clear your name and tell your side of the story, but this is not always in your best interest. We can challenge unfair grievance procedures and defend against unfounded accusations.
Provide Personalized Attention to Every Case
We understand the significant consequences at stake and how the outcome of this case can affect your education and future. We want to help alleviate stress during this challenging time. We provide individualized attention and legal support to each client.
Develop a Targeted Legal Defense for Each Case
These cases require a strategic approach, and we provide it. We develop a legal strategy based on the specific circumstances surrounding your case that are tailored to achieve your desired results. Ample preparation and skilled negotiation are cornerstones of our legal strategies.
Have Proven Results
Nothing is as important as the results we make for people just like you. We’ve helped numerous clients achieve favorable results for faculty and students at hearings, in criminal cases, and in informal resolution forums.
Provide Comprehensive Legal Support
When you hire KJK, you get an experienced legal team throughout the entire process. We can assist with every phase of your case, including:
- Investigation process
- Amendment of a finding report
- Cross-examination
- Disciplinary process
- Appeal process
How Can a Title IX Defense Lawyer Help Me?
When you hire KJK for your Title IX defense, we can assist with the hearing process and the entire process by:
- Gathering evidence – Our Title IX defense lawyers can collect evidence and locate witnesses to support your case.
- Ensuring a fair hearing – Your attorney can advocate for you throughout the legal process. They can explain your rights and options at each phase of the case.
- Helping you prepare – Title IX proceedings can be complex. They can also result in testimony that could have an adverse effect on your life, such as subjecting you to criminal charges or civil claims. Your lawyer can help you prepare for the hearing and any testimony you provide.
- Cross-examining witnesses – Your attorney can cross-examine the complainant and any witnesses at the disciplinary hearing to call their credibility into question and uncover the truth.
Contact our Title IX-focused law firm today to learn more about how we can help.
Potential Consequences of a Title IX Investigation
Hopefully, the claim will be resolved in your favor, and you can rebuild your reputation and continue your studies. However, you should take these charges seriously because a finding of fault can result in significant consequences that affect you for years to come.
Possible consequences may include:
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Cancelation of your degree
- Disciplinary action reported on your academic records
- Loss of financial aid
- Being unable to participate in collegiate sports
- Being removed from leadership positions
- Losing positions of distinction
- Damage to your personal reputation
- Job loss
- Referral for criminal prosecution
Protect your rights by contacting an experienced attorney today.
What to Do If You Are the Subject of a Title IX Investigation
At KJK, we often represent individuals who are the subject of Title IX investigations. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, we recommend you take the following action:
Hire a Lawyer
The first move you should make upon learning of Title IX allegations against you is to hire a lawyer with experience handling these complex cases. You have the right to have a legal advisor of your choosing, and it’s crucial that you exercise it. At KJK, we want to ensure you have the emotional, logistical, and legal support you need during this challenging process.
Don’t Make Public Statements
While you might want to proclaim your innocence, your lawyer will likely advise you against making any public statements regarding the matter. This is for several reasons. First, you may inadvertently say something that could damage your case if you make a public statement. For example, you might admit to being at a party where someone was sexually assaulted even though you had nothing to do with it.
Second, your statements could potentially be brought up in other legal proceedings that could have a negative impact on your life. Third, your statements may be considered insensitive to the Title IX investigator assigned to your case.
Your lawyer can advise you of a better course of action to protect your legal rights and reputation.
Seek Emotional Support
Being accused of something heinous can be emotionally draining. Consider arranging services for therapy, counseling, or other emotional support to help manage the turmoil. It is important that you are at your healthiest when managing the demands of these complex proceedings.
Coordinate Academic Support
If you are still in school, try to stay focused on your studies. Reach out to your school for academic support through tutoring, lab assistance, or other academic support services to mitigate the damage of any time away from class.
Practice Self-Care
You may be struggling with guilt, anger, disappointment, or shame following allegations of Title IX violations. While this is normal, it is important that you take care of your health and well-being. Consider establishing or continuing rituals to ground yourself.
Call Us If You Are the Subject of a Title IX Investigation
If you are facing Title IX violation charges, an experienced attorney from KJK can advise you of your legal rights, explain your options for responding to legal claims against you, and protect you in various legal proceedings.
We can represent students, faculty, university employees, or others facing Title IX investigations at any of the following educational institutions in San Diego:
- University of San Diego
- San Diego University
- University of California San Diego
- San Diego City College
- Design Institute of San Diego
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- National University
- San Diego Miramar College of Aviation Operations
- Platt College San Diego
Contact us today for 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...
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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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