Defense Options for Campus Sex Crimes in Minnesota

If you’re facing accusations of a campus sex crime, the stakes are high. College disciplinary hearings, Title IX investigations, and possible criminal charges can impact your education, your future, and your freedom. Such allegations can happen at any school, whether you are attending a large university like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a smaller school like Macalester College, or anywhere else.

Understanding your defense options it’s critical. Working with an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. This post explores defense strategies that may apply in sex crime cases and outlines what you need to protect your rights. 

Understanding the Charges

Campus sex crime allegations can include sexual assault, harassment, rape, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. These cases often involve Title IX investigations run by the school, but they may also lead to criminal charges.

Title IX proceedings differ significantly from court cases. The burden of proof is lower, and the protections afforded in criminal trials, like the right to cross-examine, may be limited. As such, understanding all your options is essential.

Possible Defenses in Campus Sex Crime Cases

Consent

In many campus sex crime cases, the question isn’t whether the act occurred—it’s whether it was consensual. Evidence such as messages, videos, or witness accounts may help support your claim that both parties agreed to the encounter.

Colleges often have their own definition of consent, which may include whether someone was intoxicated or otherwise unable to givea clear, affirmative agreement. A strong defense may challenge how the school interpreted these facts.

False Allegations

False accusations can arise from misunderstandings, emotional fallout, peer pressure, or even retaliation. In these cases, defense efforts often focus on inconsistencies in the accuser’s story or evidence that contradicts their version of events.

Gathering timelines, social media activity, and witness statements can be imperative to proving that the accusation is unfounded.

Lack of Evidence

Both Title IX hearings and criminal charges require evidence. In a school setting, the standard for proving accusations is usually a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more likely than not. In criminal court, the standard is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is higher. A defense strategy may focus on highlighting weak or missing evidence, such as a lack of physical evidence, unclear witness testimony, or gaps in the investigation.

Procedural Violations

Schools must follow specific procedures when investigating sex crime complaints. If they fail to provide notice, deny access to evidence, or refuse a fair hearing, your rights may have been violated. A procedural defense may involve appealing the school’s decision or even taking legal action.

Why Strong Legal Representation Matters

Whether you’re facing a school disciplinary board or criminal prosecution, you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced sex crimes defense attorney can help you navigate the process, gather evidence, build your defense, and protect your rights.

Contact Our Minnesota Sex Crime Attorneys at Capitol City Law Group

At Capitol City Law Group, our sex crimes defense lawyers bring over 50 years of combined experience to your side. We know how colleges operate, and we know how to defend your future. 

If you’ve been accused of a campus sex crime, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

We serve all areas in St. Paul and throughout Minnesota. Visit our criminal defense office at:

Capitol City Law Group, LLC
287 6th St E #20
St Paul, MN 55101