You know the dangers associated with hazing. You know what kind of penalties Georgia Tech students suffer when they're found responsible for hazing violations. Somehow or other, though, you've found yourself caught up in a hazing investigation. It happens. GT's policies are wide-ranging, and it's possible to make an honest mistake. Maybe you got so caught up in the moment you did something you shouldn't have. Or maybe you're entirely innocent of the charges against you. That happens, too. Schools like Georgia Tech are under the microscope when it comes to hazing, and they can sometimes be overly zealous in their investigations.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side. We're dedicated to protecting student rights. We understand that colleges and universities have become far too quick to accuse students and far too severe in the sanctions they assign. We can help you challenge accusations and unfair punishments. We know the law. We know Georgia Tech's judicial procedures. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves, and we can help you to do the same.
To find out more about how we can help with hazing allegations, call 888-535-3686 or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Georgia Tech
Of course, keeping yourself out of trouble at Georgia Tech starts with understanding the school's anti-hazing policy. This can help you avoid allegations. It's also crucial if you've already been accused. You can't fight charges if you don't completely understand those charges.
Here's what you need to know.
- Hazing is an activity associated with school groups or organizations. Tech is careful not to limit its definition of "groups." That is, hazing doesn't just happen in fraternities and sororities. Any group can be charged with hazing, from music societies to intramural sports teams.
- Tech's policy makes no mention of “initiation.” Instead, it defines hazing as any activity “which exceeds the normal expectations of the organizational mission.”
- Hazing is connected to activities that "might cause" harm. In other words, you can be charged even if an incident doesn't actually cause harm. It isn't the result but the nature of the activity itself that matters.
- Hazing isn't just about physical harm. Potential “mental” harm is covered as well. In addition, the Tech policy includes “pain, embarrassment, ridicule, or harassment” as effects of hazing. You can also be accused of interfering with members' “academic responsibilities.”
- As the policy notes, you can be charged with an offense whether the activity takes place on campus or off campus.
- The "willingness" of participants is not a defense to hazing at Tech. If a benefit such as membership is tied to participation, initiates cannot "consent" to activities.
Georgia Tech does not prescribe specific penalties for hazing offenses. Like most schools, it prefers to assign sanctions based on the specific nature and context of incidents. Keep in mind, however, that this is an offense that can get your picture in the paper. Tech is protective of its own reputation, and it's under a great deal of pressure both from the public and the Georgia state legislature to treat allegations seriously. In fact, state law requires the school to maintain an anti-hazing policy and publicly report all investigations. Given these conditions, suspension is usually the minimum sentence, and dismissal is certainly a possibility.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
A hazing charge is serious. It does not have to lead to a sanction, though. You are entitled to due process, and the Lento Law Firm attorney can show you how to use your rights to protect yourself. Tech must, for instance, treat you as “Not Responsible” (innocent) until you've been proven otherwise. The school must have concrete evidence before it can punish you, and it must give you the opportunity to respond to any evidence at a formal hearing.
- Hazing cases begin with a complaint. Virtually anyone can file such a complaint—initiates, organization members, other organizations, organizational advisors, faculty, administrators, and security personnel.
- If Tech decides to issue formal charges against you, it must supply you with notice of those charges. This notice should explain the allegations and describe your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are entitled to select an advisor to help you with your case. Someone from the Lento Law Firm can be at your side to help you answer questions from the very moment you're charged.
- The Office of Student Integrity (OSI) will conduct a thorough investigation. As part of this investigation, you should have the chance to give your side of the story, to offer evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Hazing investigations can sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Once they've finished their work, though, investigators submit a written summary of their findings back to the OSI. This summary becomes the foundation of the hearing that follows.
- The hearing affords both sides the opportunity to make their respective cases. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses to testify. In addition, you have the right to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- Ultimately, decision-makers determine your level of responsibility using a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are guilty if decision-makers are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- You have one more right as well—the right to appeal the hearing outcome. However, Georgia Tech only allows appeals in cases where some unfairness occurred, such as a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Keep in mind that hazing cases can be extremely complex. Most cases involve multiple respondents. In addition to establishing the facts of the case, you may also need to make important distinctions about the Tech policy. If the allegations involve any kind of sexual component, you may have to deal with Title IX rules and regulations. With so much at stake, you cannot afford to take on these complexities alone.
The Lento Law Firm is the premier law firm in the country when it comes to student representation. We're defense attorneys, but we're focused specifically on defending students from misconduct charges such as hazing. No one offers you a better chance at success.
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 Georgia 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.
