Hazing is among the most serious allegations any college student can face. It's also among the most complicated. Often, these cases involve multiple respondents, multiple complainants, and dozens of witnesses. There may be charges in addition to hazing, such as underage drinking, disorderly conduct, or sexual misconduct. Frequently, defenses involve subtle interpretations of university policies. The minimum penalty in such cases is usually suspension, and expulsion is also a possibility.
Here's the bottom line: if you're facing a charge of hazing at Temple University, you cannot afford to try and defend yourself. You need help—serious help.
The LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side, no matter what your situation. We recognize that colleges and universities have become too draconian when it comes to policing hazing incidents. They are too quick to accuse students and too harsh when it comes to assigning sanctions. You can count on us, though, to protect your rights and ensure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. Temple 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 Temple University
The best way to avoid a hazing charge at Temple? Avoid participating in hazing activities. Easier said than done sometimes, we know. Still, if you fully understand the university's anti-hazing policy, it can go a long way to keeping you out of trouble.
Here are some of the more important elements of that policy.
- Hazing can involve either physical harm to another student, mental harm to another student, or both. Among the examples Temple offers are "sleep deprivation," "exclusion from social contact," and "conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment." However, should you cause actual physical harm to another student, you can be charged with “aggravated hazing,” a more serious offense.
- You can be charged with hazing even if you didn't intend to cause anyone harm. The policy notes that “reckless” behavior makes you just as culpable.
- Hazing is typically associated with Greek life, but Temple's policy makes no distinction when it comes to the term "organization." Any campus group, from music clubs to honor societies, can be charged.
- Hazing isn't just about initiation into an organization. It can also be used in conjunction with “continuing membership in an organization” or induction of officers into new positions.
- Temple also notes that you can be charged whether incidents occur on campus or off campus.
In terms of sanctions, Temple doesn't associate hazing offenses with any specific punishment. Technically, any penalty from a warning to expulsion is on the table. However, the policy goes to the trouble to point out that sanctions can include “termination.” The fact is that hazing allegations tend to be very public, and no school wants to seem soft on student misconduct. As a result, probation, suspension, and expulsion are the most common sanctions in these cases.
Suspension and expulsion don't just mean the end of your career at Temple. With a hazing offense on your record, you won't find it easy to transfer to another school. You could be heading out onto the job market with no degree at all. Don't risk it. Make sure you have the LLF Law Firm attorney on your side.
Defending Yourself from Hazing Allegations
Hazing allegations can seem daunting, and they can be difficult to defend. You do have some important rights to help you, though. You're “innocent until proven guilty,” for example. The university needs concrete evidence to prove your guilt, and it must give you the opportunity to challenge this evidence.
Here's what you can expect.
- Cases begin when someone lodges a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS). The SCCS oversees all aspects of the case, including both the investigation and hearing.
- The SCCS must provide you with notice of any charges against you before it conducts an investigation. This notice should explain complaints and include a complete list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor of your choice. This means the LLF Law Firm attorney can accompany you to investigative meetings and help you give your side of the story.
- In addition to interviewing you, investigators speak with complainants and any witnesses in the case. They also collect physical evidence.
- Once they've completed their work, investigators turn over their findings to the SCCS, which then sets a time and date for a hearing. Note that hazing investigations can be complex and sometimes take weeks or even months to complete.
- Hearings take place before a Student Conduct Board. Both sides offer arguments and support those arguments with evidence. This can be physical evidence or witness testimony. In addition, you can raise questions about any evidence used against you, including witness testimony.
- The Board bases its decision on a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” If members think it is “more likely than not” that you committed an offense, they are required to find you responsible (guilty).
- Temple also maintains an appeals process should the Board rule against you. You must have clear grounds for an appeal, though. Typically, this includes something like an allegation of procedural misconduct, new evidence to present, or a claim that the sanction is disproportionate to the offense.
The LLF Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you the way they would in a criminal matter. Temple places limits on advisor participation in the process. Your attorney plays a crucial role, though, in helping you prepare your case. They'll work with you to uncover evidence, for instance, and help you to map out your central arguments. They'll prepare you to deliver your case, from suggesting questions for witnesses to drafting documents to coaching you in your presentation. And while you must speak for yourself at investigative meetings and other proceedings, the LLF Law Firm attorney can be on hand to offer advice on responding to questions and presenting 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 LLF Law Firm's Student Defense Team can make sure you're fully prepared to defend yourself. They can insist Temple 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 LLF 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.
