It is becoming increasingly common for young people to be involved in sexual assault cases, and for college students to be accused of sexual assault as the “Me Too” movement continues across college campuses. If you are facing criminal charges for sexual assault under Texas law, or if you need to defend yourself in a Title IX hearing at a college or university in Central Texas, it is extremely important to have an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer on your side.
A sexual assault conviction can result in jail time and the requirement that you register as a sex offender. Even if you are not facing criminal charges but have been accused of sexual misconduct and are facing a Title IX hearing, you could be expelled from your institution and still could face criminal charges in the future. An advocate Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer can begin working on your defense today.
What is Sexual Assault Under Texas Law?
Contents
- Rape
- Attempted rape
- Sexual battery
- Sexual abuse of a child
Most offenses that constitute criminal sexual assault are felony offenses that can result in a term of imprisonment from, in most cases, one year to life in prison. If you are facing any type of criminal sexual assault charges, you should get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer in Texas as soon as possible.
Title IX Hearings Involving College Students in Austin
For many young adults or college students who have been accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct, the legal process begins with a Title IX hearing at the college or university. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in education. This federal law prohibits sex discrimination, which includes a prohibition against sexual misconduct.
Colleges and universities that receive federal funding must develop systems for investigating Title IX violations and conducting hearings based on allegations that a Title IX violation has occurred. For example, University of Texas at Austin has developed mechanisms for reporting and investigating Title IX violations. It is important to understand that, although Title IX hearings are not the same as criminal legal processes, they can still have serious repercussions. In some cases, regardless of how a Title IX investigation turns out, the respondent (the person accused of violating Title IX) also will face criminal charges under Texas law.
Common Scenarios Resulting in Title IX Hearings
What are some common scenarios that may result in Title IX hearings? The following are some examples of sexual misconduct cases that could result in a Title IX hearing and ultimately could lead to criminal charges:
- Student accuses another student of sexual misconduct according to the college or university’s policy (an offense that Texas law might define as criminal sexual assault)
- Faculty member accuses a student of sexual misconduct
- Student accuses a faculty member of sexual misconduct
- Student accuses a staff member of sexual misconduct
- Staff member accuses a faculty member or student of sexual misconduct
Contact a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Austin, Texas
Are you facing criminal sexual assault charges or a Title IX hearing at a college or university? You should not take the risk of developing a defense on your own when an experienced and aggressive Texas sexual assault defense attorney can assist with your case. Contact a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer today to begin building a strong defense to beat the charges you are facing.