Hazing isn't your garden-variety campus offense. Find yourself accused of hazing at Dartmouth, and there's every possibility your photo might wind up in the local paper. If the allegations are serious enough, you could wind up on the state or national news.
Hazing defenses can be complex. Often, there are multiple accusers and multiple defendants. If there are sexual components, you may have to deal with federal Title IX regulations. Cases can sometimes come down to subtle interpretations of school policy. Plus, hazing isn't just counter to Dartmouth school policy. It's governed by New Hampshire state law.
All of which is to say that this isn't the kind of charge you want to handle on your own. In fact, even most attorneys don't know all the ins and outs of how campus justice works.
The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm aren't your garden-variety defense attorneys, though. Our Student Defense Team was founded specifically to protect student rights. They know the law, they know Dartmouth policies and procedures, and they're committed to doing everything possible to salvage your academic future.
If you've been charged with hazing at Dartmouth College, don't wait. You can be sure the school has already begun building its case against you. You need to 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 Dartmouth College
Let's start by defining hazing. You cannot avoid a charge if you don't know the rules. Just as important, you cannot build a defense if you don't understand the charges.
Here are the essentials of Dartmouth's anti-hazing policy.
- Hazing doesn't just cause physical harm. It can also cause “psychological injury.” This means any type of harassment might qualify; pressuring a pledge to drink would count; even preventing an initiate from keeping up with their schoolwork could result in a charge.
- You don't have to cause harm, either. If your actions are “likely” to cause harm, that's enough to justify a charge.
- Any organization and its members can be accused of hazing, from fraternities and sororities to musical clubs and honor societies.
- Hazing is typically associated with initiation into an organization, but as Dartmouth's policy notes, it can also be involved with “continued membership” and is sometimes used as a method of inducting organization leaders.
- Finally, the policy is clear: the willingness of participants is not a defense to hazing. In fact, even if no one lodges a complaint, the college reserves the right to issue charges. Any time membership is dependent on participation, the question of “willingness” is moot.
Dartmouth makes no bones about how seriously it takes hazing offenses. While it doesn't mandate specific penalties for offenses, it asserts that organizations found Responsible for (guilty of) offenses can face sanctions from loss of member recruitment privileges to revocation of recognition. Meanwhile, individual members can face punishments, including suspension and dismissal.
Any time your academic future is in jeopardy, it's crucial you have someone on your side to help you build your case and to protect your best interests. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student misconduct defense. We know your rights, and we've protected hundreds of students just like you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
What is involved in a Dartmouth College hazing defense?
The good news is that you're entitled to due process. In other words, Dartmouth can't just accuse you and dismiss you. It must conduct an investigation, and it must hold a hearing so you can respond to any evidence against you.
- Hazing accusations can come from almost anywhere, from initiates to school faculty. All accusations are handled by the Community Standards and Accountability Office.
- Dartmouth must provide you with notice of the charges if you are under investigation. This notice should contain enough information to begin building your defense.
- Once charges have been issued, the CSA then conducts a complete investigation. You can expect investigators to take your statement. They'll also interview any potential witnesses and collect physical evidence.
- Hazing investigations sometimes take several weeks or months to complete. Again, they are often complicated by the number of people involved and the scale of the offenses.
- Cases are heard by the Committee on Standards. Both sides have the opportunity to offer arguments and support those arguments with evidence, including witness testimony. You also have the right to raise questions about any evidence used against you and to cross-examine witnesses.
- The hearing is your best opportunity to make the case for your innocence or explain your actions. You may introduce evidence, and you may call witnesses to testify. Of course, the other side will do the same.
- The COS decides cases using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Your last right is the right to an appeal. However, you must have grounds for such an appeal, something like the discovery of new evidence or an allegation of a procedural error.
You should know that Dartmouth does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings or adjudicative hearings. Nevertheless, a Lento Law Firm attorney can play an important part in your defense. They'll help you uncover evidence, for example, and outline your entire defensive strategy. They'll coach you in answering questions, and they'll suggest questions you can ask to witnesses. They'll give you practice in presenting your case, and they'll file any necessary documents on your behalf.
Their most important role, though? Watching out for your interests. Your attorney will pay close attention to every aspect of your case, make sure Dartmouth respects your rights, and guarantee you a fair and just resolution.
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 Dartmouth College 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.
