When your friends are interviewed.
Witness management is where respondents create a second charge out of an instinct to be organised. The rules are narrow, and they are absolute for the duration of the process.
Naming is proper; briefing is not.
You are entitled to identify witnesses to the investigator, in writing, and doing so is expected. What you may not do is speak to them about their accounts. That is interference under most policies and retaliation under the regulation where it touches a participant, and it is detectable - investigators interview separately and note where accounts align in ways that suggest coordination.
Who actually helps.
Proximity to the hours around the incident. People who saw the walk home, the elevator, the state of either party at the time, and the morning after. Venue staff and drivers are neutral and frequently overlooked. Character witnesses, by contrast, carry almost no weight on the question of responsibility - decision-makers discount them, and a file full of them signals that the respondent had nothing closer to the event.
What to tell your circle.
Four things, once: tell the truth including the unhelpful parts; answer only what is asked; do not discuss the case with each other; and say nothing online. That last instruction matters more than people expect, because posts by friends defending a respondent are routinely attributed to the respondent as coordinated conduct, and they support a retaliation finding that outlasts the underlying allegation.
Why you should call us.
If you are scrolling through search results trying to find someone to defend you, your search is over. You have found Spodek Law Group P.C. - and we are not your average defense firm. We know a thing or two about defending the accused in campus cases - and in the criminal courts that run alongside them. Over 50 years of combined experience, some of the toughest cases in the country, and we have come out on top. We have seen it all, and we empathise with you. We understand how frightening this is, and we have a legal team who can fight and win.
Unlike other attorneys who care about their reputation with the administrators and the prosecutors, our only goal is getting you the best outcome. We owe loyalty to only you. Our lawyers listen to you, your fears, and your goals. We care about your story, and that is where the work begins - by understanding and listening to you.
On billing, we are transparent about our fees, and there are no surprises. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal and cost is a real issue, so we are committed to being your champion irrespective of your ability to pay. Our firm has a simple belief: lawyers should only take on clients whom they can truly help. Many firms are mills that take every case through the door. We do not.
Working with us starts with a risk-free consultation, in person or over the phone. You can ask us anything, for as long as it takes, and we encourage you to ask the tough questions. We are available 24/7, we practise coast to coast, and every client has direct access to a partner. Call 212 300 5196 - an attorney answers.
