If you're a Texas State University (TSU) student charged with hazing, it's important you contact the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible. Hazing isn't just a serious offense; it's a difficult one to defend. Typically, these cases involve multiple student s. You can be charged, even if you weren't directly involved, just for being a member of your organization. And you may face other misconduct allegations as well, like disorderly conduct or sexual misconduct.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was specifically founded to protect student rights. No one in the country knows more about university policies and campus judicial procedures. No one has represented more student clients. Most importantly, you can count on us to stand beside you no matter what your particular situation might be. It doesn't matter if you're entirely innocent or you were involved in some sort of incident. You deserve fair treatment, and we'll fight to make sure you get it.
Again, though, it's important you contact us quickly. You can be sure Texas State 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 Texas State University
TSU's anti-hazing policy is extensive, and the university's definition of “hazing” is broad enough that almost any type of initiation activity can trigger an investigation. In fact, we frequently work with clients who didn't know they'd made a mistake until they were charged. Here's a brief overview of that policy.
- First, you need to know that hazing isn't just defined as physical abuse that occurs during initiation activities. The definition of hazing includes “mental” harm as well. Intimidation and domination can result in charges. Certain types of verbal harassment might be enough to qualify as an offense. In recent years, even keeping pledges up too late at night has gotten some organizations in trouble.
- You can be charged with hazing whether you intended to harm someone or you did so through recklessness. In addition, it's important to note that you don't have to cause actual harm to be charged. If you “endanger” others, you're guilty of an offense.
- You can be charged with a hazing offense for failing to report knowledge you might have of hazing activities, even if you were not a participant.
- Hazing isn't just prohibited in Greek organizations. Any campus group and its members can be charged with an offense.
- The "willingness" of participants is not a defense to hazing. Membership in the organization is at stake, and, by definition, that means all participation is "coerced."
TSU's anti-hazing policy closely follows Texas state law. In fact, the state requires all colleges and universities to post a list of recent organization infractions and how they were handled. That certainly provides more weight to the university's policy. TSU is not limited in the actions it can take against students, though. That is, it doesn't matter if Texas prosecutors should decide you are innocent of charges. TSU can still accuse you, investigate you, find you responsible, and punish you.
The minimum penalty in hazing cases is usually suspension. The more likely penalty is dismissal. Any time your academic future is on the line, you cannot afford to try and represent yourself. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm in your corner, watching out for your rights and protecting your interests.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
When it comes to disciplinary misconduct, including hazing, TSU has an enormous amount of authority over its students. However, the same Student Conduct Code that contains the anti-hazing policy also contains important protections for students accused of offenses. The university must treat you as innocent, for instance, until it proves you guilty (“responsible”). You always have the right to mount a full defense.
Here's how that process typically works.
- The Dean of Students has jurisdiction over all student misconduct complaints, including those related to hazing. Any time you're accused of an offense, the Dean must provide you with official notice of the charges against you. As part of that notice, the Dean must explain the charges and include a complete list of all your due process rights.
- One of your due process rights is the right to a “representative,” who may be an attorney. The Lento Law Firm attorney can be at your side from the beginning to offer advice and help you present your defense.
- The university needs evidence to prosecute its case against you. As a result, it must conduct an investigation. As part of that investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story. Further, as the investigation goes on, you have the right to review any evidence investigators should uncover.
- Because they are so complex, hazing investigations can sometimes take months to complete. Once they are complete, investigators turn over their findings to the Dean, who sets a time and date for a hearing.
- A trained Hearing Officer presides over the hearing. Both sides make their cases. You may introduce evidence and call witnesses in support of your arguments. You are also entitled to raise questions about any of the university's evidence, including witness testimony.
- Hearing Officers are required to decide cases based on a "preponderance of evidence." If they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt, they'll find you responsible for the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but not simply because you disagree. You must be able to show you were mistreated in some way by the judicial process. Grounds for appeal might be a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
To be clear, the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you during investigative meetings or at the hearing. However, they can play a crucial role in constructing your defense, from helping you find evidence to outlining your hearing presentation. It is your attorney's job to protect your rights and to ensure 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 Texas State 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.
