If you've been accused of hazing at Binghamton University SUNY, it's imperative that you take those accusations seriously. Colleges and universities across the US have taken an increasingly hardline stance against this offense in recent years. It doesn't matter if you're entirely innocent. It doesn't matter if you're the victim of some sort of misunderstanding. It's easy to get caught up in investigations, and once you're under investigation, anything can happen. Hazing sanctions can be severe, up to and including dismissal.
The very moment you're charged--the very moment you think you might be charged--you need to contact the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was founded to help students defend themselves from misconduct charges like hazing. We know Binghamton SUNY's policies, and we know how the school's judicial processes work. We're on your side no matter what, and you can count on us to bring every resource at our disposal to bear to protect your rights.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure that Binghamton SUNY is already building its case against you. You should be building your defense. Call 888-535-3686 today to find out how we can help, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Binghamton University SUNY
Binghamton SUNY's anti-hazing policy is complex, and it's broadly written so that almost any type of initiation activity can potentially result in a charge. That can make it hard to avoid committing hazing, and it can make it hard to defend yourself if you've been accused. Here are some of the more important aspects of the policy to keep in mind.
- Obviously, you can expect an accusation if you've caused anyone any sort of physical harm. You can also be charged for causing "mental harm," "extreme or unusual stress, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." Among its list of examples, Binghamton SUNY includes activities that interfere with a student's ability to concentrate on their studies. Even keeping someone up past their bedtime could get you into trouble. In fact, the policy states that any activity not required of a senior organization membership is likely an example of hazing.
- Note, too, that you don't have to actually cause harm in order to be charged with a hazing offense. Binghamton SUNY uses inclusive wording: hazing is "any action taken, or situation created […] which would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely to produce […] harm." That's not an easy sentence to parse, so let us bottom-line it for you: Even if nothing goes wrong during your initiation activity, the fact that something might have gone wrong is enough to trigger an investigation.
- Most students don't realize that the university's hazing policy applies to all campus organizations, not just fraternities and sororities. Even a music group can be charged with hazing offenses.
- You cannot avoid a hazing charge simply by having pledges sign waivers. Because membership in the organization is on the line, all participation in hazing activities is viewed as “coercive” by definition.
Hazing isn't just against school policy; it's a violation of New York state law, and the university promises to contact the police when students break the law. Keep in mind, though, that Binghamton SUNY's policy is more strict than the law. Even if state prosecutors determine you are innocent of any charges, that will not stop the university from conducting its own investigation, finding you guilty, and imposing harsh penalties. Typically, suspension is the minimum penalty in hazing cases. Dismissal is also common.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You can defend yourself from a hazing charge. The university gives you some important due process rights, including the right to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). It can be tricky navigating judicial processes and procedures, though, and you need to know how to use your rights effectively if you're going to survive the investigation and hearing.
- Anyone can level an allegation of hazing against you—pledges, other members of your organization, other organizations, organization advisors, faculty, staff, administrators, and security personnel.
- When the university charges you with a hazing offense, it must provide you with notice of those charges. This notice contains important information crucial to establishing your defense, but you must know how to use it properly.
- Once the university has issued a charge, it moves on to an investigation. You'll have an opportunity to give your side of the story, but investigators also interview any complainants and witnesses and collect physical evidence in the case.
- Hazing cases can be extremely complex and sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Throughout the process, you have the right to review all evidence investigators uncover. Again, though, it's not always easy to know how to interpret a given piece of evidence.
- Once investigators have submitted their findings to the university, the university sets a date and time for a formal hearing before a Student Conduct Board.
- The hearing represents your best opportunity to present your entire defense. You may offer evidence and call witnesses to testify. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence used against you, including witness testimony.
- The Conduct Board doesn't use the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard to decide your guilt. Instead, it employs a less well-known standard, "preponderance of the evidence." In simple terms, you're guilty if it seems "more likely than not" that you committed a hazing offense.
- You can appeal a responsible (guilty) outcome, but not simply because you disagree with it. You must have “grounds” for your appeal, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Maybe your most important right throughout this process is the right to an advisor, who may be an attorney. This means the Lento Law Firm attorney can be at your side throughout both the investigation and the hearing to help you make sense of it all.
The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot "represent" you the way they would in a criminal trial. Binghamton SUNY requires you to speak for yourself. However, your attorney can be on hand to help you answer investigative questions, help you prepare your entire defense, and to offer advice as you present your case.
Fighting for Your Future
Hazing is a serious offense, and a Responsible finding can mean serious sanctions. Just because you've been charged, though, doesn't mean you'll necessarily be found Responsible. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can make sure you're fully prepared to defend yourself. They can insist Binghamton University SUNY afford you every due process right to which you are entitled. In the end, they offer you your very best chance of success.
Let the Lento Law Firm help you fight for your academic future. To find out more, contact us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online questionnaire.
