Hazing investigations aren't like vandalism investigations. Typically, dozens of students are involved. In addition to hazing charges, you may be facing allegations of disorderly conduct, underage drinking, drug use, or even sexual misconduct. Sanctions often include suspension and even dismissal.
You really should never try to handle a university disciplinary misconduct case on your own. Taking on a hazing charge on your own, though, can be especially dangerous.
You need serious help—an attorney, but not just any attorney. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we've helped hundreds of students defend themselves over the years. We know how the Texas Tech judicial system works and how to use processes and procedures to your benefit.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure Texas Tech 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 Tech University
Hazing isn't an easy misconduct charge to avoid, especially if you're a member of a campus organization. Most students belong to one organization or another; it looks good on the resume. Texas Tech's anti-hazing policy (See the Student Code 7-8) is broad enough to cover almost any initiation activity, and that means simply belonging to an organization could be enough to earn a charge. For instance,
- You don't actually have to harm anyone to be charged with hazing. Simply subjecting someone to the “risk of harm” is enough. Even if nothing goes wrong, even if no one complains, you can still be charged simply for creating the right conditions for harm.
- It's not just potential physical harm that matters. You can also be charged for harming other students "mentally." This opens up a whole new category of offenses. Harassment can get you into trouble or simply poking fun at what someone's wearing. In fact, in recent years, college students have been investigated for simply keeping pledges from studying properly.
- Hazing isn't something that just happens to Greek organizations either. In fact, TTU policy doesn't even mention fraternities or sororities. Music clubs and their members, intramural student athletes, and even honor societies can find themselves accused.
- You cannot avoid a hazing charge by obtaining pledges' permission, even if you have them sign waivers. Because membership in the organization is at stake, participation is never strictly voluntary.
Texas Tech's anti-hazing policy is actually based on Texas state law. Keep in mind, though, that Tech's policy is stricter than the law. Here's why that matters. Even if a prosecutor declines to pursue a case against you, it won't stop TTU from issuing charges. In fact, even if the state finds you entirely innocent of hazing, it won't stop TTU from opening an investigation, finding you responsible, and imposing a sanction like suspension or dismissal.
Any time you're facing a charge that could get you removed from the university entirely, you need help defending yourself. The Lento Law Firm is always on your side and ready to use any resource at our disposal to protect your future.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
While it is easy to wind up accused of hazing at TTU, the university can't simply accuse you and impose a sanction. You have rights. Any time you're accused of disciplinary misconduct, including hazing, you're entitled to a presumption of innocence. The university needs concrete evidence to substantiate any charges, and you always have the right to refute any evidence being used against you.
- Student disciplinary matters are in the hands of the Dean of Students (DOS). Anyone may accuse you of hazing, from initiates to faculty, but only the DOS may issue formal charges.
- The university cannot investigate you in secret. If you've been charged, you'll receive official notice of those charges, letting you know what you've been accused of doing and what rights you have during the process.
- TTU allows students to choose an advisor to accompany them to meetings and other proceedings. This advisor can be an attorney, which means someone from the Lento Law Firm can be at your side throughout the investigation and the hearing.
- The DOS appoints an investigator to uncover the facts of the case. You'll have the opportunity to give your side of the story. The investigator will also interview any complainants and other witnesses and collect all physical evidence.
- Often, hazing investigations involve dozens of students, and sorting out who allegedly did what can take time. Once the investigation is complete, though, investigators hand their findings over to the DOS, who then sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Most hazing cases are important enough to warrant a hearing before a full panel of decision-makers. Both sides offer arguments and support those arguments with evidence, including witness testimony. Both sides also have the right to raise questions about evidence, including witness testimony.
- All judicial cases at TTU are decided using the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense. Not that this is much less strict than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard.
- You have the right to appeal the hearing outcome, but you must have grounds for such an appeal. Grounds typically include allegations of procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, and arguments about the severity of sanctions.
The Lento law firm attorney can't present your case for you, but they can take care of all other aspects of your defense. They'll be on hand during investigative interviews, for instance, to help you respond to questions. They'll work with you to uncover evidence and identify your strongest arguments. They'll draft your presentation, suggest questions for witnesses, and again, be on hand to offer advice as you present your case. Their most important job, though? Looking out for your rights. They'll make sure you're treated fairly and show you how to use your rights to best advantage.
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 Tech 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.
