NachtLaw, P.C. 
  • Home
  • About
    • Success Stories
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
    • Staff
  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Contact
Select Page

Your word versus hers: Dealing with accusations of campus sexual assault

On behalf of NachtLaw, P.C. | Feb 5, 2016 | Articles

In recent years, colleges and universities across the country have become hyper-vigilant about sexual assault on campus. These institutions don’t want the lawsuits and damaging public-relations fallout of a sexual encounter gone wrong.

While efforts to prevent and punish sexual assault are highly commendable, at times, they go too far. The public stigma surrounding rape is so harsh that people often assume guilt rather than innocence from the moment allegations surface. Some schools have recently come under attack for automatically siding with alleged victims, essentially depriving the accused of a fair shot at exonerating themselves.

It’s easy to forget that not every allegation of rape or sexual assault is clear-cut. There are rarely witnesses, so these cases often come down to his word versus hers. False or exaggerated allegations can take an extreme toll on the accused, leading to expulsion, criminal charges, a permanently damaged reputation and a shattered future.

Two easy ways to protect yourself

If you’re a college student or parent of a college student facing accusations of sexual assault, you have important choices ahead. You could be subjected to a one-sided investigation by the university disciplinary board. Even if the police aren’t yet involved, they may be soon. How you deal with this delicate situation can make a big difference in your life going forward.

Here are two simple ways to protect yourself:

  • Remember that what you say can and will be used against you. You should assume that anything you say – whether to a university official, student newspaper or on social media – could end up in the hands of a police officer or prosecutor. The time will come for your voice to be heard. But you should never try to talk your way out of a sticky situation – especially without first speaking with a lawyer and understanding your options
  • Get a lawyer involved immediately. When it seems like everyone else is turned against you, a defense lawyer may be your only ally. You should choose an attorney who is familiar not only with university disciplinary procedures but also with criminal defense and civil rights. All of these areas may play a role in protecting your rights.

At NachtLaw, we have the well-rounded experience necessary to fight for you. Learn more about how we can help you avoid further damage and get your life back on track.

Recent Posts

  • What to do when your child gets bullied
  • Jury awards husband and wife $11.4M over workplace discrimination
  • Can an employer discriminate against overweight employees?
  • Employers continue to discriminate against breastfeeding workers
  • 4 examples of age discrimination you might not notice

Archives

  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • February 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • February 2013
  • October 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012

Categories

  • Age Discrimination
  • American values
  • Articles
  • blog
  • Business Litigation
  • Comments
  • Disability
  • Employment Law
  • Events
  • Firm News
  • Nacht Law in the News
  • Title IX
  • Unemployment Benefits

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

FindLaw Network

Don’t Hesitate

No substitute exists for sound legal counsel.

ANN ARBOR, MI

101 North Main Street, Suite 555
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Phone: 888-312-7173

ANN ARBOR, MI MAP & DIRECTIONS

TRAVERSE CITY, MI

120 E Front St
2nd Floor Loft
Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone: 888-312-7173

TRAVERSE CITY, MI MAP & DIRECTIONS

BIRMINGHAM, MI

401 South Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 460
Birmingham, MI 48009

Phone: 888-312-7173

BIRMINGHAM, MI MAP & DIRECTIONS

TOLEDO, OH

One Seagate
Suite 685
Toledo, OH 43604

Phone: 888-312-7173

TOLEDO, OH MAP & DIRECTIONS
REVIEW US
Pay Invoice Visa Discover AM EX Law Pay
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

© 2019 NachtLaw, P.C.. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters