Title IX Changes That Affect Your Rights
In August 2024, new regulations will take effect, once again changing the ground rules for how schools resolve sexual misconduct allegations under Title IX. The new regulations purport to require universities and colleges to conduct “reliable and impartial” investigations. In fact, the changes significantly shrink basic procedural protections for accused students.
Charlottesville Prosecutor Drops Case Against MichieHamlett Client
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- On the eve of trial, Charlottesville prosecutors voluntarily dismissed sexual assault charges against our client, conceding they could no longer prove their case. Though our client was relieved, police waited months before disclosing evidence that proved out client's innocence. Attorney Rhonda Quagliana with our firm fought to hold
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Campus Misconduct or Title IX Investigation?
Should I hire my own attorney for a Title IX or sexual misconduct matter? Yes. Your college or university will sometimes provide students with an advisor. But the school’s advisor will not represent you like an attorney of your choosing. A qualified attorney will protect your interests and fight for
How do the Police and Prosecutors Collect and Use DNA Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases?
In sexual assault cases, DNA provides a prosecutor with some of the most compelling evidence. During the investigation, a nurse examiner collects samples from the body of the alleged victim. Police send the samples to a laboratory designated to conduct DNA testing on behalf of the state. The police will
Neutral Third-Party Investigations and Bullying in the Workplace
Allegations of bullying in the workplace can cause major problems for employers. As reports of bullying behavior and hostile conduct in the workplace are increasing, so is the need for independent internal investigations. Without knowing when, where, and how bullying is occurring, employers cannot remedy the conduct and prevent it
Am I Required To Speak To The Police
A lot of people ask me whether they are required to talk to the police. The answer is: “No.” You are not required to speak with the police. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects your right to decline speaking with law enforcement. That’s the easy part. From there the answer becomes
Medical Battery Against Craig County Student Moves Forward
A former female student at a Craig County high school has filed a lawsuit against the school and a former nurse practitioner who is accused of fondling her breast during a physical. The government had moved to dismiss the case against the school, but that motion was denied. The case
VA Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Pacemaker Failure
A man died of septic shock after a pacemaker installed by the VA hospital began protruding from his chest. His daughters filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the VA. While the VA denied liability, they settled the suit for $550,000. While that may not seem like a lot, wrongful death
TV Judge’s Son Files MedMal Lawsuit After Birth Death Of Wife
Women aren’t supposed to die in childbirth, especially in the U.S. where we have supposedly the best medicine in the world. Nonetheless, the U.S. ranks higher in birth fatalities to mothers than any other developed nation on earth. In many of these cases, it is a simple failure to monitor
MedMal Trial Could Head To SCOTUS
Are you allowed to sue a nursing home? Yes. Are you allowed to sue a federally-operated nursing home? Maybe not. The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to hear a case that was decided on behalf of a plaintiff who alleged that a loved one died in the care of