Few disciplinary misconduct offenses can match hazing when it comes to complexity. Often, dozens of students are involved, and just sorting out who did what and when can take weeks or even months. You may face additional charges, like sexual misconduct. And proving your innocence can sometimes involve subtle interpretations of school policy and terms like “consent” and “participation.”
This is not the kind of charge you want to take on yourself. You need a professional in your corner, someone who understands campus judicial procedures and knows how to use those procedures to your advantage. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team exists to protect student rights. We're familiar with George Mason's rules and regulations, and we've helped hundreds of students just like you defend themselves from all types of charges, including hazing. Whether you're entirely innocent or you did make some sort of mistake, we'll use every resource at our disposal to get you a just resolution.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure George Mason 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 George Mason University
Anti-hazing policies have grown increasingly strict over the last several years. In fact, George Mason's policy makes almost any initiation activity a potential offense. For example,
- Any act that causes physical or mental harm can be classified as hazing. In fact, simply causing pledges "mental [discomfort]" is enough to trigger an investigation. George Mason organizations and their members have been charged for simple verbal harassment, and in recent years, college students have found themselves accused for nothing more than keeping initiates from studying.
- You don't actually have to cause any of these outcomes to face a hazing charge. In fact, even if no one is harmed, the university can still accuse you of hazing simply for participating in "reckless" behavior that could potentially have harmed someone.
- Hazing is usually thought of as a Greek activity. Any campus organization can be charged, though, from intramural sports clubs to honor societies.
- The “willingness” of participants is not a defense to hazing. Because membership is at stake, participation is always viewed as “coerced.” Even having pledges sign waivers won't help you avoid a charge.
Hazing isn't just a violation of George Mason policy. Under Virginia law, it's classified as a criminal offense. Note, however, that GM's policy goes further than the law. Where the law only outlaws activities that might result in “bodily injury,” GM bars the infliction of mental harm as an offense as well.
Here's why that matters. Even if the state of Virginia decides you are entirely innocent of hazing charges, that fact won't prevent GM from conducting its own investigation, holding its own hearings, and imposing its own penalties. The minimum sanction in these cases is usually suspension, and dismissal is likely. This is one reason why it's so important to have the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. There's simply too much at risk to take on your university alone.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
The good news is that you always have the right to defend yourself from misconduct allegations, including hazing charges. In addition, you have some important rights to help you do that. You're entitled to a presumption of innocence, for instance, and to due process, including an investigation and a hearing.
The bad news is processes and procedures can be difficult to navigate, and it's not always easy to know how to use your rights effectively.
- All hazing allegations are handled by the Office of Student Conduct. Anyone can accuse you of an offense, but only this office can issue official charges against you.
- Any time you are under investigation, you are entitled to notice of the charges. This notice must explain the allegations, and it must include a complete list of your due process rights.
- Among your several rights, you have the right to an advisor of your choice. This means the Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you to investigative meetings and other proceedings to offer advice and ensure your other rights are protected.
- The university must conduct some type of investigation. Evidence is needed to substantiate any hazing charges. This is your first opportunity to give your side of the story. You can also offer physical evidence and suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- It sometimes takes weeks or even months to complete a hazing investigation, but once it's complete, the Office of Student Conduct sets a time and date for a hearing. Minor offenses at GM are usually heard by a single hearing officer. More serious offenses, like hazing, are usually heard by a full Community Adjudication Board (CAB).
- At the hearing, both sides make their cases, using physical evidence and witness testimony to back their arguments. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- GM employs the “preponderance of the evidence” standard in deciding disciplinary misconduct cases. According to this standard, you are responsible (guilty) if decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- A not responsible outcome means the end of the case. If you're found responsible, you can appeal the outcome, but you must have grounds for doing so. Grounds include issues of fairness, such as the discovery of new evidence, an allegation of procedural error, or a disproportionate sanction.
George Mason requires students to speak for themselves during investigative meetings and hearings. However, the Lento Law Firm attorney will prepare you for these proceedings. They can map out your entire case, from identifying your best arguments to suggesting questions for witnesses. Of course, they'll also be at your side throughout the process to offer advice on every aspect of 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 George Mason University 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.
