A hazing allegation isn't like other sorts of allegations—theft, underage drinking, or disorderly conduct. Hazing allegations make the front page of the Prince. They involve whole organizations and require sorting out just who is accused of doing what, where everyone was at the time of the alleged incident, and who knew what, when, and for how long. It's not the sort of allegation you want to try to defend yourself from.
The good news is that you don't have to. The Lento Law Firm is always on your side. It doesn't matter whether you're entirely innocent or you made a mistake, our Student Defense Team is here to protect your rights and make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case. We know what the law has to say about students, we know how Princeton's judicial processes work, and we've defended hundreds of students from every type of charge.
It's important you contact us as soon as possible, though. The university is already building its case. You should be, too. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at Princeton University
Anti-hazing at Princeton isn't just a matter of school policy; it's a matter of New Jersey law. New Jersey outlaws hazing activities at all educational institutions, public and private. In addition to a basic definition, it includes numerous examples, so there's no question about what kind of conduct qualifies. It mandates the creation of a "Pledge's Bill of Rights," and it requires colleges and universities to develop policies for hazing prevention and maintain written reports on all hazing offenses committed each year.
Serious stuff. And when laws like this exist, universities like Princeton can be held liable in civil court for any hazing incidents. Nothing motivates a school like money.
No surprise, then, that Princeton's own anti-hazing policy begins by quoting verbatim from state law. However, to the law, Princeton adds a number of restrictions.
- The law defines hazing as inflicting bodily injury on another person during any sort of organizational initiation or placing a person in danger of bodily injury. This last is important since it means you can be charged even if no one is actually hurt.
- The law further notes that the “consent” of the initiate is not a defense to hazing allegations. Once membership in an organization is based on participation in hazing activities, an initiate cannot be said to have consented to those activities.
- The law applies generally to all “student organizations.” This includes fraternities and sororities, but also eating clubs, honor societies, and sports teams (though normal athletic activities are exempt).
- Princeton further defines hazing as “indifference or disregard for another person's dignity or well-being.” This means that you can be charged not just for endangering a person's physical well-being but their psychological and emotional health as well.
Finally, university policy notes that students found Responsible for (guilty of) hazing are subject to a range of sanctions, including “probation and campus service.” It goes on to say, though, that students have been suspended and dismissed over hazing incidents.
Keep in mind as well that the more serious consequence of a Responsible finding is a black mark on your permanent record. Even if you've only been issued a warning for hazing activities, that warning can cost you scholarships, internships, and even job opportunities.
The bottom line is that you can't afford to take any allegations lightly. You must fight for your future. The Lento Law Firm can help.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
What does it mean to fight a hazing allegation? The good news is that you have a number of important due process rights, such as the right to a presumption of “Not Responsible” (innocence). Princeton must conduct a full investigation and it must give you an opportunity to respond to charges at a full and formal hearing. These processes can be complex, though.
- Anyone at Princeton can accuse you of hazing—initiates, other organization members, other organizations, other students, advisors, faculty, staff, administration, and security personnel. This makes it hard to guard against charges.
- If you're under investigation, Princeton provides you with Notice of the Charges. This notice should detail the allegations and include a complete list of your due process rights. This is valuable information, but you have to know what to do with it.
- As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. You'll need to be prepared to answer questions as well. In addition, investigators will talk with any Complainants (alleged victims) and other witnesses. They'll also collect any physical evidence.
- Investigators submit a written report of their findings to the Office of the Dean. You have the right to examine this document, but again, it's not always easy to know what you're looking for.
- Hearings take place before the Committee on Discipline, which is made up of faculty and students. You have the right to introduce evidence and to call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- Princeton doesn't use the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard for determining responsibility. Instead, it employs a standard known as "clear and convincing." This standard requires evidence to be "substantially more likely to be true than not," but this can lead to very subtle interpretations of guilt.
- Should you lose your hearing, you can appeal, but you must have sufficient “grounds” to do so, such as a procedural error, new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
Princeton allows you to select an advisor to accompany you to investigative meetings and hearings, but you cannot select an attorney for this role.
Don't let this dissuade you from contacting the Lento Law Firm. No one can prevent you from consulting with an attorney, and the Lento Law Firm attorney can make a crucial difference in your defense. They'll work with you to develop your entire case, from compelling arguments to witness questions. They'll coach you in responding to questions yourself and help you to uncover evidence. They'll draft documents on your behalf. They'll even give you practice in presenting your case. Most importantly, they'll keep a close eye on every phase of the investigation and hearing to make sure you're treated fairly.
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 Princeton 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.
