Federal Employee Rights When Accused Of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue, and federal courts, both criminal and civil, take it seriously. If you have been accused of sexual harassment, you may face serious consequences that impact your career, finances, and freedom. However, as a federal employee, you have specific rights and protections under the law.

Even an accusation can have serious repercussions; if you’re convicted, you could face harsh penalties. Federal criminal defense lawyers can help you protect your freedom and reputation. As the attorneys at Federal Practice Group note, your problems with a workplace sexual harassment case may not stop with the criminal court. You could face a civil action, as well.

Federal Laws Regarding Workplace Sexual Harassment

Federal employees are protected under the anti-discrimination laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and those provided by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These laws prohibit all forms of workplace sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment and creating a hostile working environment.

These laws also offer legal avenues for the accuser to seek redress of their grievances, including filing criminal charges, a complaint with the employer, and filing a civil suit. If you have been accused of sexual harassment at work, you’ll quickly realize that the law is not on your side.

Your rights are important, and you need a strong advocate to ensure that they aren’t trampled on in the investigation process. Your lawyer can help ensure that you receive fair due process and that your presumption of innocence is preserved.

Your Rights As A Federal Employee

If you have been accused of sexual harassment in a federal workplace, you have the following rights:

• The right to be informed of all allegations against you, including a clear explanation of the nature of the complaint, any alleged behavior, and the circumstances involved
• The right to due process, which essentially means the right to tell your side of the story and present evidence and testimony to support your position
• The right to a federal criminal defense lawyers to represent your interests and the right to choose your own attorney
• The right to confidentiality, which protects both the accuser and the accused
• The right to protection from retaliation
• The right to appeal any disciplinary actions, including termination of employment. You also retain the right to appeal the action with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

Steps To Take If You Are Accused

If you have been accused of sexual harassment, you must take the accusation seriously, even if you think it was no big deal or that you were misunderstood. Talking to a criminal defense lawyer right away can help. They understand your rights and make sure they’re protected from the outset. You can also take these steps to protect yourself:

• Avoid confrontations with the accuser and anyone else involved
• Maintain professional behavior in the workplace
• Save any relevant information (texts, emails, etc.) that helps your case and give it to your lawyer
• Contact your union representative
• Answer all questions truthfully, although you have the right to have your lawyer present during questioning

Help After A Sexual Harassment Accusation

Being accused of workplace sexual harassment is a serious matter that can impact your career and reputation. However, as a federal employee, you have rights that ensure a fair and just process. You may also face a civil lawsuit filed by the accuser. The burden of proof is lower in civil matters than criminal, but that doesn’t mean that you should face this without the help of a sexual harassment attorney.