Hazing isn't like a charge of trespassing or damaging your dorm room. Cases often involve dozens of students—multiple complainants, respondents, and witnesses. You may be charged as an individual at the same time your organization is under investigation. Usually, hazing isn't the only charge, either. You could be facing allegations of underage drinking, disorderly conduct, or even sexual misconduct.
These cases are too complex, and the potential penalties are too large to risk trying to defend yourself. You need an attorney, but not just any attorney. You need the Lento Law Firm attorney. Our Student Defense Team is focused on student rights. We're familiar with Howard University's anti-hazing policy, and we know how judicial processes and procedures at the university operate. We're always on your side and dedicated to getting you the best possible resolution to your case.
Don't wait. You can be sure that Howard 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 Howard University
For all the publicity that surrounds hazing on college campuses, this is an offense that's poorly understood, especially by students. Howard University's anti-hazing policy (see the Student Code of Conduct 27-28) is both complicated and broad. That means it's especially easy to make mistakes.
- The most important thing to keep in mind is that “hazing” applies not just to physical harm but to “mental” and “emotional” harm as well. Simple harassment is enough to garner a charge. In fact, in recent years, students and organizations have been charged with things like keeping pledges up too late at night and preventing them from having enough time to study.
- Hazing doesn't just apply to the actual harm you might do to other students. Howard's policy uses the word “endangers,” which means you can be charged even if nothing goes wrong during your initiation event.
- We tend to associate hazing with fraternities and sororities. However, Howard's policy uses the more general term “group.” Intramural sports teams, musical groups, and honor societies are just as liable for following hazing guidelines. Further, the policy applies to both “sanctioned” and “unsanctioned” groups.
- The "willingness" of participants is not a defense to hazing. You can be charged even if initiates sign waivers. Once membership in the organization is at stake, the university regards all participation as "coerced.
Hazing isn't just a matter of Howard University school policy. It's also counter to D.C. law. That gives special weight to Howard's policy, but it's important to remember that the university is not limited by District statutes. Even if D.C. decides you are innocent of any charges of hazing, Howard can still find you responsible for (guilty of) an offense.
The minimum sanction in hazing cases is usually suspension, and many students wind up expelled altogether. You cannot afford to take chances with your academic and professional futures. The moment you're accused of hazing, it's important you contact the Lento Law Firm.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Just because you've been accused of hazing at Howard University doesn't mean you'll ultimately be found responsible for an offense. The university is obligated to provide you with due process rights (see the Student Code of Conduct), including a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”).
Here's how the process typically unfolds.
- Someone lodges a complaint against you with the Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards. Anyone may accuse you, but the Director must believe the complaint is credible before proceeding to a formal charge.
- Any time you're charged with a misconduct offense, including hazing, the Director must issue an official notice of those charges. This notice includes an explanation of the allegations and a list of your due process rights.
- The Direct then initiates an investigation. These can sometimes take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the complexity of the situation. Throughout the investigation, you have the right to review all evidence and to give your side of the story.
- Once investigators complete their work, they turn their findings over to the Director. The university then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Your hazing case could be heard by a single administrator. Most cases, however, warrant a full administrative hearing panel. Both sides present their arguments to this panel and support those arguments with evidence, including witness testimony. You also have the right to question any evidence being used against you and to cross-examine witnesses.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, the panel deliberates as to your level of responsibility. In doing so, they employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, you are responsible if the panel believes it is “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal the hearing verdict. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with that verdict, though. You must have "grounds" for an appeal, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Howard University does not allow students to bring attorneys with them to investigative meetings and hearings. However, as the university itself points out, you always have the right to consult with an attorney as you prepare your case.
The Lento Law Firm attorney can play a crucial role in constructing your defense. You can count on them, for example, to
- Coach you in responding to investigative questions;
- Uncover evidence;
- Identify your strongest arguments;
- Draft documents;
- Create evidentiary exhibits;
- Outline your hearing presentation;
- Suggest questions for witnesses
- Give you practice in presenting your arguments.
You can also count on your attorney to keep a close eye on what happens. Their most important job is ensuring you're treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to 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 Howard 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.
