What to Do if You Have Been Accused of Sexual Assault at a Massachusetts College

It can be shocking to discover that you have been accused of a crime, but things can become even more worrying when the crime is of a serious nature. Merely being accused of sexual assault at a college in Massachusetts is something that can follow you around for the rest of your life, regardless of whether or not you actually committed the crime. If you are facing this situation, you need to develop a clear action plan and approach matters in the most efficient way possible.

The best way to do this is to hire an experienced, qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you navigate the often-confusing bureaucracy of the university system, and they can help you prove your innocence. Clearing your name is important, so do not just wait and assume that you will be deemed “innocent until proven guilty.” University students face unique challenges in this regard, and it is important to understand what you are up against.

Understand What You are Up Against
First of all, it is important to understand that you face a situation that is slightly unique in terms of criminal cases. Universities follow their own rules when it comes to sexual harassment and assault investigations. Some provide you with the right to defend yourself, while others do not. Some have a mock “hearing” where you will have a chance to speak before a panel. It really depends on the specific policies of each college. But that is not to say that these cases never go to a “real” trial. In 2019, a former student went before a federal jury and received $100,000 due to the fact that his sexual assault case had been mishandled by a nonprofit organization connected with his alma mater.

This provides us with some hope that there is still some degree of justice available to those who have been wrongly accused of sexual assault at Massachusetts colleges. In addition, cases like this show us that juries are now much less likely to automatically favor colleges.

Understand Your Rights
If you have been accused of sexual assault as a college student in Massachusetts, you should also take a second to understand your rights. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. As soon as you vocally exercise your right to remain silent after being accused of a crime, police officers and other figures of authority can no longer question you.

You also have the right to an attorney, and it is always a good idea to remain silent until you have a chance to consult with your legal representation. Finally, you have a right to due process. While this is not always easy to achieve as a college student, you should keep in mind that this is one of the most basic underlying principles of American society, and it is given to all citizens.

Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Finally, you should always do your best to hire an experienced, qualified criminal defenseattorney if you are facing this type of accusation. If you are searching Massachusetts for dependable legal assistance, look no further than the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty. We can help you prove your innocence and clear your name so you can get back to
pursuing higher education. Contact us now for a free initial consultation. 413-732-8356