Sexual Assault Defense for Framingham State University Students
Facing Allegations in Framingham District Court and Campus Title IX Hearings
Allegations of sexual assault are among the most serious charges a college student can face. For students at Framingham State University, such allegations can lead to both criminal prosecution in Framingham District Court and disciplinary action under Title IX on campus.
Even before a court has issued a verdict, your child could be suspended, removed from housing, or permanently expelled.
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we provide confidential, strategic legal representation for students accused of sexual assault. We protect both their legal rights and academic futures.
📞 Call us now at (857) 229-2442.
Massachusetts Law: Sexual Assault Charges
Massachusetts recognizes several forms of sexual assault under M.G.L. Chapter 265:
🔹 Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person Over 14 (Section 13H)
🔹 Rape (Section 22)
🔹 Aggravated Rape or Rape of a Child
🔹 Assault with Intent to Rape
Convictions may carry:
⛓️ Mandatory minimum prison time
🚨 Sex offender registration
🗃️ Lifetime criminal record
🚫 Civil protection orders and no-contact conditions
Even first-time offenders face harsh consequences and immediate loss of freedoms.
Framingham District Court: What Happens
If criminal charges are filed, your child will likely appear at Framingham District Court, where they'll undergo:
🔹 Arraignment and possible bail hearing
🔹 Pretrial conferences and motions
🔹 Evidence gathering (texts, statements, medical reports)
🔹 Trial in front of a judge or jury
The process is high-stakes and emotionally charged. A conviction could result in years of incarceration and registration as a sex offender.
Framingham State University & Title IX
Under federal Title IX law, the university is required to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct separately from the criminal justice system.
Possible actions include:
📤 Interim suspension during investigation
🛏️ Loss of housing or access to campus activities
🚫 Permanent expulsion
Important: Students may be sanctioned by the university even without a criminal conviction. The standard of proof is lower in campus hearings.
Framingham State University's Response to Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Framingham State University treats all reports of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness, as outlined in its Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy. Whether the incident occurs on or off campus, the university may take immediate steps, including:
🔹 Issuing no-contact orders between involved parties
🔹 Imposing interim suspensions or housing reassignments
🔹 Initiating a Title IX investigation
🔹 Conducting a disciplinary hearing, independent of any criminal proceedings
Even without a criminal conviction, FSU can:
📤 Suspend or expel a student
🗃️ Record disciplinary actions in the student's file
🚫 Restrict future enrollment or participation in university programs
Common Parent Concerns
Can this stay off their record?
Sexual assault charges, even if dismissed, can have lasting consequences on criminal and academic records. We explore dismissal, pretrial diversion, and expungement options where applicable.
Can the school expel my child before trial?
Yes. The university can act independently and does not require a criminal conviction to impose discipline. That's why legal advocacy in both arenas is vital.
Do we need two lawyers?
Ideally, hire a lawyer who is skilled in both criminal defense and Title IX/college proceedings. Our firm handles both, maintaining a unified and strategic defense.
Building a Strong Defense
We defend Framingham State students with strategies that protect them in both court and school proceedings:
🔹 Consent-based defenses where mutual engagement is proven
🔹 Analyzing evidence such as texts, social media messages, and medical reports
🔹 Careful handling of Title IX statements to avoid self-incrimination in court
🔹 Challenging timing, bias, or inconsistencies in witness reports
Early intervention is critical to shaping the narrative before disciplinary or legal outcomes become permanent.
Why Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?
We're known for:
🎯 Experienced legal defense for college students
🔍 Deep knowledge of Framingham District Court procedures
📚 Understanding of Title IX and university conduct hearings
🤝 Dedicated team that protects futures—not just cases
When your child's freedom, education, and reputation are on the line, you need experienced legal counsel who knows how to navigate both systems.
Contact Us Immediately
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
📍 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 (857) 229-2442
Your student deserves a defense that protects their rights and their future. If your child is facing a sexual assault accusation at Framingham State University, call us now for a confidential consultation.
