Criminal Defense Lawyers

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Title IX Defense Lawyers

Title IX Defense Lawyers for Cal Poly Pomona Students

Being accused of a Title IX violation at Cal Poly Pomona is no joke – it can seriously mess up your academic and professional future. If you’re facing allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination, you need a tough Title IX defense lawyer in your corner.That’s where we come in. Our lawyers have years of experience defending students against unfair Title IX charges at colleges across the country, including Cal Poly Pomona. We know the ins and outs of the process, and we’ll fight tooth and nail to protect your rights.

What is Title IX?

Let’s start with the basics. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding – which includes pretty much every college and university in the US, Cal Poly Pomona included.Under Title IX, schools are required to have procedures in place to investigate and address allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. Sounds good in theory, right? Protecting students from harassment and violence is obviously important.But here’s the thing – the Title IX process is often stacked against the accused from the start. The procedures can be confusing and biased, with limited due process protections. And the consequences of being found responsible are severe – you could face suspension, expulsion, a permanent disciplinary record, and difficulty transferring or getting into grad school.That’s why having an experienced Title IX lawyer is crucial. We know how to navigate the complex rules and advocate for your interests every step of the way.

Common Title IX Violations at Cal Poly Pomona

The types of allegations we see most often at Cal Poly Pomona include:

• Sexual assault
• Dating/domestic violence
• Stalking
• Sexual harassment (including verbal harassment, unwanted advances, quid pro quo situations with professors, etc.)
• Hostile environment harassment

Basically, any situation involving unwanted sexual conduct or gender-based discrimination could potentially trigger a Title IX investigation.And look, we get it – college relationships and hookup culture can be messy. Misunderstandings happen. Drunk people make bad decisions. But that doesn’t mean you should have your entire future derailed because of a bogus claim or misinterpretation of events.Our Title IX defense team will thoroughly investigate the allegations against you, poke holes in the evidence, and make sure your side of the story is heard. We’re not afraid to take on the school and their bloated bureaucracy.

The Title IX Process at Cal Poly Pomona

If you’re accused of a Title IX violation at CPP, this is typically how the process will go down:

1. You’ll receive a notice letter from the Title IX office informing you of the allegations and “charges” against you. This can be vague and lacking in details at first.
2. An investigator will be assigned to your case. They’ll conduct interviews with you, the complainant, and any witnesses. You’ll have a chance to submit evidence and your version of events.
3. The investigator will compile all the information into a report and make a determination on whether a violation occurred based on the “preponderance of evidence” standard (basically, 50.1% likely).
4. If you’re found responsible, you’ll have a chance to appeal the decision to a hearing panel. This is often your best opportunity to present a strong defense with the help of a lawyer.
5. Potential sanctions range from a warning/probation all the way up to expulsion, depending on the severity of the violation.

It’s a high-stakes process with your entire future hanging in the balance. Having skilled legal representation from the start is absolutely essential.

Why You Need a Title IX Lawyer

Look, we know what you might be thinking – “I didn’t do anything wrong, so I’ll just explain my side to the investigator and it’ll get cleared up.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.The Title IX system is inherently flawed and biased against accused students. The investigator isn’t really a neutral fact-finder – they work for the school, which is under immense pressure from the government to take aggressive action against anyone accused of sexual misconduct.You’re considered guilty until proven innocent. The burden is on you to prove your innocence, not on the school to prove you actually violated policy. It’s the exact opposite of how criminal courts work.That’s why you need a Title IX lawyer from the very beginning. We know all the tricks schools play to skew the process in their favor. We’ll make sure you understand your rights, prepare you for interviews, and hold the school accountable to following proper procedures.We’ve seen way too many students try to navigate this alone, only to get railroaded by an unfair process. Don’t make that mistake. Having a lawyer is your best protection.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Building a Strategic Title IX Defense

Every Title IX case is unique, so our defense strategy has to be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances. But in general, here are some of the key elements we focus on:

• Poking holes in the evidence and credibility of witnesses against you
• Identifying procedural errors or bias in the investigation
• Highlighting consent and the context around the situation
• Preparing a clear, consistent defense narrative
• Using expert witnesses if needed (e.g. medical, psychological)
• Negotiating for the minimum possible sanctions

We leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense case for you. Our goal is to get the charges completely dismissed, but if that’s not possible, we’ll fight like hell to minimize the consequences.We’re also not afraid to take schools to court if they violate students’ due process rights or engage in discriminatory disciplinary practices. You have constitutional rights, and we’ll enforce them.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group?

There are a lot of lawyers out there, so why choose us? Here are a few key reasons:

• We’re not a mill firm – we take on a limited number of cases so we can give each client the personal attention they deserve
• Our attorneys have decades of combined experience, including former prosecutors who know how the other side operates
• We have a strong track record of getting Title IX charges dropped or reduced at schools across the country
• We pair legal expertise with emotional support – dealing with a Title IX case is extremely stressful, and we’ll be by your side through it all
• We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions and address concerns

But don’t just take our word for it – check out our hundreds of 5-star reviews on sites like Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Google. Our clients rave about our commitment to outstanding service and results.We’ve also been featured in major media outlets like the New York Times, New York Daily News, and USA Today for our work on high-profile cases.When your future is on the line, you need to go with a firm you can trust. We’ve got your back at Cal Poly Pomona.

Potential Defenses in Title IX Cases

Since every case is different, it’s hard to get into the specifics of potential Title IX defenses without knowing the details. But in general, some common defense strategies we use include:

• Challenging the credibility of the accuser and any witnesses against you
• Highlighting inconsistencies or lack of evidence in the allegations
• Establishing an absence of intent (i.e. the act was unintentional)
• Demonstrating behavior was welcome/consensual
• Identifying procedural errors or bias in the investigation
• Using expert testimony to counter medical/psychological claims
• Negotiating for lower sanctions based on mitigating factors

A lot comes down to creating a clear, consistent narrative that raises reasonable doubt and pokes holes in the school’s case against you. We’re masters at this.We’ve had many cases where the evidence initially seemed stacked against the accused student, but once we started investigating and building a strategic defense, the charges fell apart completely.

Title IX Appeals and Lawsuits

Unfortunately, even with stellar legal representation, some Title IX cases still result in adverse findings due to the lopsided process. But that’s not necessarily the end of the road.If you’re found responsible for a Title IX violation at Cal Poly Pomona, you have the right to appeal the decision to an appeals panel. This is often one of the most critical stages where having a lawyer can make all the difference.We’ll craft detailed written appeals that highlight any procedural errors, new evidence, or substantive issues with the original findings. We’ll also prepare you to deliver a powerful in-person statement to the panel.Many students have gotten their sanctions reduced or even had their cases overturned completely during the appeals process with our help.And if the appeals process still doesn’t result in a fair outcome, we’re prepared to take further legal action against the school. Title IX is a federal law, and schools can face serious consequences if they don’t follow it properly.We’ve filed lawsuits against universities for violating students’ due process rights, engaging in discriminatory disciplinary practices, and more. Schools have a lot more to lose than individual students, so they often re-evaluate their positions once the legal threats start mounting.The bottom line – we’ll explore every possible avenue to clear your name and protect your future. We never stop fighting for you.

The Consequences of a Title IX Violation

Look, we get that dealing with a Title IX case is stressful and overwhelming. You might be thinking “can’t I just get this over with and deal with the consequences later?”Here’s the hard truth – the consequences of being found responsible for a Title IX violation are potentially life-altering and long-lasting. This isn’t just some slap on the wrist. We’re talking about:

• Suspension or expulsion from Cal Poly Pomona, derailing your education
• A permanent disciplinary record that has to be disclosed on future applications
• Difficulty getting into other schools due to the mark on your record
• Trouble finding employment or getting into certain careers
• Potential criminal charges in some sexual assault cases
• Irreparable damage to your personal and professional reputation

Even a seemingly “minor” violation can have major ripple effects for years or decades to come. Don’t make the mistake of not taking this seriously.We’ve seen students’ lives get completely derailed because they didn’t mount an adequate defense early on. By the time they realized how bad the consequences could be, it was too late.That’s why it’s absolutely critical to bring in an experienced Title IX lawyer like us from day one. We understand what’s at stake, and we’ll do everything possible to protect your future.

Title IX Advisor vs. Title IX Lawyer

As you’re looking for help with your Title IX case, you’ll probably come across two main types of representatives – Title IX advisors and Title IX lawyers.A Title IX advisor is typically someone who has experience navigating the campus disciplinary process. They can serve as your support person and advisor during meetings and interviews.While advisors can be helpful, they are not the same as having a licensed defense attorney. Only a lawyer is able to fully represent you, conduct investigations, cross-examine witnesses, file legal motions and appeals, and take the school to court if needed.Advisors are limited in what they can do. They can’t actually provide you with comprehensive legal advice and representation.For a case with such high stakes that could literally upend your life, you need to go with a real Title IX lawyer, not just an advisor. We have the legal expertise, strategic mindset, and aggressive representation abilities to properly defend you.

Title IX Advisor vs. Title IX Lawyer

As you’re looking for help with your Title IX case, you’ll probably come across two main types of representatives – Title IX advisors and Title IX lawyers.A Title IX advisor is typically someone who has experience navigating the campus disciplinary process. They can serve as your support person and advisor during meetings and interviews.While advisors can be helpful, they are not the same as having a licensed defense attorney.