Hazing allegations are the sort of allegations that wind up on the evening news. As a result, schools like Indiana University Bloomington tend to take them more seriously than other kinds of offenses. Any time a university is under public scrutiny, you can expect it to take special measures, to zealously prosecute the case, and to issue the most severe penalties it possibly can. Schools don't like to appear soft on student misconduct.
In short, this is not the sort of allegation you want to take on by yourself. If you've been charged with hazing, you need help—the very best help you can get. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student defense. Our Student Defense Team is well-versed in IU Bloomington's anti-hazing policies as well as judicial processes and procedures. Whatever your particular situation, we're on your side, and we'll bring every possible resource to bear to ensure you get a fair outcome.
Don't wait to contact us, though. Indiana University Bloomington is building its case. You should be, too. 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 Indiana University Bloomington
Protecting yourself from a hazing charge at Indiana University Bloomington starts with understanding the university's anti-hazing policy. Obviously, this will help you avoid receiving a charge in the first place. It's also true, though, that you can't hope to defend yourself unless you fully understand the nature of the accusations against you.
The very first thing you need to know about this policy is that it is broad. Almost any initiation activity can result in a charge, including some you might not expect.
- You can be charged for doing mental, emotional, and psychological damage to another student. Yes, physically harming another person is prohibited, but so, too, is harassing someone, pressuring them to drink, and even preventing them from having enough time to study.
- You don't have to cause actual harm to violate IU Bloomington's policy. Any act that “endangers” another student's physical, mental, emotional, or psychological well-being qualifies as an offense. This means that even if everything goes perfectly during your event, you can still be found responsible for (guilty of) an offense.
- While hazing is normally associated with fraternities and sororities, any group can be charged with a hazing offense, from intramural sports clubs to music groups to honor societies. If you're a member of a campus organization of any kind, you're vulnerable to charges.
- An individual's “consent” is not a valid defense to hazing. When membership in the organization is at stake, questions of “consent” are rendered meaningless. This means you cannot avoid a charge simply by having pledges sign waivers.
Technically, all possible sanctions are on the table when it comes to punishing hazing offenses, even simple reprimands. However, the very public nature of these cases usually assures that responsible students are sanctioned with suspension and even dismissal. These punishments are strict enough, but they both include a transcript notation about your offense, and that can have consequences that last far beyond your time at IU-Bloomington.
Don't risk these kinds of outcomes. Make sure you have the Lento Law Firm attorney in your corner. We'll protect your rights and ensure justice is done in your case.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Despite Indiana University Bloomington's strict anti-hazing policy, the university cannot simply accuse you of hazing and punish you. As with any misconduct offense, you have the right to due process. That starts with a presumption of “not responsible” (innocence). You cannot be found “responsible” unless IU Bloomington can substantiate the charges with concrete evidence, and you always have the right to challenge evidence at a hearing.
- Anyone can accuse your of hazing, including initiates, organization members, other organizations, advisors, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel.
- You'll know you've been officially charged because the university will issue notification of the charges. This notification will explain the allegations. It will also include a complete list of your due process rights.
- Among your rights, you are entitled to an advisor of your choice. This means the Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you to all meetings and proceedings. We cannot speak for you, but we can help you answer questions and present your case.
- You can expect a thorough investigation. This can be grueling, but it is to your benefit. In addition, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Hazing cases can be enormously complex and, as a result, sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Once they are complete, though, the university sets a time and date for a hearing before a board of trained decision-makers.
- The hearing is your opportunity to present your full case. You may offer any arguments in support of your innocence and support them with evidence, including witness testimony. You may also raise questions about the university's evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
- Decision-makers must believe there is a “preponderance of evidence” that you committed the offense before they can find you responsible (guilty). In simple terms, they must be more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- You also have the right to appeal the hearing outcome. However, you must have grounds for such an appeal, like new evidence to present, an allegation of procedural misconduct, or an argument about the severity of your sanction.
The Lento Law Firm attorney's job involves far more than simply sitting beside you in investigative meetings or offering advice during the hearing. Essentially, they'll outline your entire defense, from helping you uncover evidence to identifying your strongest arguments. They'll make sure you're fully prepared for the hearing, suggesting questions for witnesses, drafting documents, creating evidentiary exhibits, and coaching you in your delivery. Most important of all, they'll monitor everything that happens and ensure you're treated fairly at every step of the way.
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 the University of Notre Dame 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.
