Few charges at Cal Tech are quite as serious as hazing charges. Colleges and universities generally maintain no-tolerance policies when it comes to hazing activities. That's even more true at Cal Tech since California passed its own anti-hazing legislation. The state government controls the purse strings, and no school is going to risk its financial security. As a result, you can expect Cal Tech to investigate absolutely every hazing allegation and to punish offenders with maximum penalties.
Fair enough. Hazing has the potential to cause serious injury and death, and even when physical harm isn't involved, it can have a lasting psychological and emotional impact on everyone involved.
Unfortunately, not everyone accused of hazing is actually guilty of hazing. When colleges and universities take their own policies too seriously, they can wind up convicting students who don't really deserve it. And even in the case of those students who have committed an offense, they too often impose sanctions far in excess of what those offenses deserve.
When that happens, you need an advocate, someone on your side who can ensure you're treated fairly and that you get a just resolution to your case. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded specifically to protect student rights. We know the law, we know Cal Tech's judicial processes and procedures, and we've defended hundreds of students from all types of charges, including hazing allegations.
What can we do for you? Call 888-535-3686 to find out, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Cal Tech
As Cal Tech's anti-hazing policy points out, hazing isn't just a school regulation. It's actually counter to California state law, and you can be prosecuted and punished with fines and even jail time. As strict as state law is, though, Cal Tech's policy is stricter. As a starting point, where the statute only mentions “bodily harm,” Cal Tech's definition of hazing includes “psychological harm" as well as "disregard for another person's dignity or well-being." Even if your actions aren't technically illegal, you can still face serious consequences from Cal Tech.
Here are some other aspects of the school's policy you should know.
- You don't have to cause actual harm to be charged with hazing. If you put someone else “in danger” of harm, that's enough.
- Hazing isn't just something associated with Greek organizations. Athletic clubs, music groups, and even honor societies can be charged.
- Likewise, hazing isn't just about membership initiation. It is sometimes used to keep organization members in line from year to year or to induct new leadership.
- Consent is never a viable defense to hazing allegations. By definition, hazing makes membership in an organization contingent on participation. That undermines any claims of consent.
In addition, you should be aware that Cal Tech sanctions for hazing can be harsh. The school doesn't prescribe penalties, so in theory, your punishment for an offense might range anywhere from a warning to expulsion. In practice, however, colleges and universities are always worried that they'll be perceived as too light on discipline. Given the public nature of hazing offenses, you can generally expect suspension at minimum, and dismissal is always a possibility.
With these kinds of sanctions on the table, you cannot afford to try and handle a hazing accusation on your own. The Lento Law Firm understands what's at stake, and they'll use all the resources at their disposal to protect your academic and professional futures.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Without question, Cal Tech's anti-hazing policy is strict. The good news, though, is that, as with every type of misconduct charge at the school, accused students are entitled to due process. You are, for example, "Not Responsible" until proven "Responsible. The school must have concrete evidence to find you Responsible, and it must give you a fair opportunity to dispute this evidence.
- Hazing allegations can arise at any time, and almost anyone can accuse you, from potential initiates to organization advisors. It's not unusual, for example, for rival organizations to accuse one another.
- You'll know you have been charged because you'll receive "notice" of those charges. That notice will explain the charges so you'll understand what it is you've been accused of doing. It will also contain a complete list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to bring an advisor with you to all meetings and hearings. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you in the true sense of that term. However, they can be on hand to look out for your interests and to offer counsel.
- Cal Tech will then undertake an investigation. You have a right to give your side of the story. In addition, investigators will interview other Respondents (other accused students) and witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- Hazing allegations can be broad in scope, and so they often take several weeks to complete. Once they are complete, investigators submit their findings back to the school. Cal Tech then sets a time and date for a full hearing.
- At the hearing, you'll have the chance to present arguments and to back them with evidence, including witness testimony. You may also question any evidence used against you and cross-examine witnesses for the opposing side.
- Cal Tech decides all cases on the basis of a legal standard referred to as “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, you are guilty if decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced you committed an offense.
- Finally, you have a limited right to appeal your case outcome. That is, appeals must be based on very specific grounds, including things like procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and a disproportionate sanction.
While this outline is relatively straightforward, hazing defense can be complex. It's not just about establishing whether or not you committed the offense you're accused of. You may need to dissect Cal Tech's definition of hazing. If there is a sexual component to the case, you may also have to deal with Title IX rules and regulations. Often, there are multiple Respondents, and it's not always easy to separate out just who did what.
The Lento Law Firm attorney is experienced with hazing defenses and will guide you through all processes and procedures. They'll ensure you know what to expect at every step, and they'll show you how to use the Cal Tech judicial system to your best advantage.
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 Cal Tech 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.
