What Happens if I am Accused of Sexual Contact at a College or University?

Criminal sexual contact is a serious crime in New Jersey. Under New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2C:14-3, a person is guilty of criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim. This is defined as the intentional, non-consensual touching of intimate body parts for sexual gratification, degradation, or humiliation.

If you are accused of sexual assault or other sexual contact at a college, you need to take swift action. Many college campuses address campus sexual assault and have a bill of rights for victims. For example, for Rutgers University in Camden, victims will be given access to legal assistance and be allowed to change living situations, if necessary. They also have legal rights, in which every allegation of sexual assault is investigated to the highest degree.

Once sexual contact has been reported, colleges start the legal process. If accused of sexual contact at a college or university in New Jersey, you should immediately hire a lawyer. Ideally, you should hire a lawyer with experience in Title IX and college disciplinary cases immediately, as the process is complex.

Colleges handle these cases through their internal Title IX process, which is a federal law protecting against sex discrimination. The university will conduct an investigation, which may run parallel to a criminal investigation. This investigation may include interviews. You will be informed of charges and meetings through a “Notice of Charges.” Unlike a criminal trial, a university hearing typically applies a lower standard of proof, requiring only that it is “more likely than not” that the accused is responsible.

What are the Penalties?

The outcome of a sex crime case can significantly impact your academic and professional future. The penalties can range from a warning to probation, interim suspension, suspension, or permanent expulsion. A sanction like suspension or expulsion can make it difficult to transfer to another school or find future employment. Some schools may even add a notation to your transcript that describes the offense, which can be a major obstacle to future opportunities.

Tips for the Accused

• Do not contact the accuser. Do not attempt to sort it out on your own, as any communication can be used against you.
• Limit communication. Do not talk to anyone about the case without your attorney present, including school officials and law enforcement.
• Preserve evidence. Do not destroy any evidence, as it may be useful in your defense.

Contact Us Today

If you have been accused of sexual contact at a college, you need to act quickly. Do not simply ignore the allegation. The stakes are high, and you could face major consequences.

A sexual offense conviction will affect more than your immediate future. That is not something you want to hear while you are attending college and planning on a bright future. Seek legal help right away from a Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher St. John. To schedule a consultation today, contact us via (856) 716-5427 or online here.