You cannot afford to take a hazing charge at UC Santa Cruz lightly. These are complex cases, often involving multiple students. The judicial process can be difficult to navigate. Sanctions can be severe, including suspension and even dismissal.
Any time separation from the university is on the line, you need the very best representation you can find. You need someone in your corner from the Lento Law Firm. The firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know UCSC policy, and we know how the judicial system works. Most importantly, we're always on your side, whatever your situation, and ready to use every resource available to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure UCSC 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 the University of California Santa Cruz
First things first—just what does UC Santa Cruz's anti-hazing policy have to say? Understanding the policy can help you avoid a charge in the first place. If you've already been charged, it's the first step to building your defense.
Of particular importance is UCSC's definition of hazing. It's particularly broad, and that can make it hard to sort out whether or not you've actually committed an offense. For example,
- Obviously, causing anyone physical harm as part of an initiation activity is going to result in a hazing charge. You can also be charged, though, for causing "emotional" harm or for actions that humiliate or degrade others.
- UCSC policy doesn't say charges are based on the harm you do others. It says charges are based on the "risk" of harm you create. In other words, even if nothing goes wrong during your initiation event and no one complains, you could still be investigated.
- Likewise, the policy doesn't specifically reference fraternities or sororities. The fact is, hazing doesn't just happen in Greek organizations. Any campus group can face charges, from intramural sports teams to religious organizations.
- UCSC's policy is clear: the “willingness” of hazing participants is irrelevant to charges of hazing. If membership in the organization requires participation, that participation is, by definition, coerced.
UC Santa Cruz's anti-hazing policy begins by referencing recent California state legislation (“Matt's Law”) outlawing the practice and goes on to include the entire text of the law. That's an important indication of just how seriously the university takes this offense. You should know, however, that UCSC is not limited to enforcing the law. In fact, the university's policy is stricter than state law, and even if California decides you are innocent of charges, that has no effect on whether UCSC investigates you or finds you responsible for (guilty of) an offense.
The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to defending students from misconduct charges. No one gives you a better chance of salvaging your academic career.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
No matter how serious the charges against you may be, you are always entitled to due process as a UC Santa Cruz student. According to those rights, you are innocent (“not responsible”) until proven guilty (“responsible”). The university needs concrete evidence to substantiate any allegations, and you always have the right to challenge this evidence at a hearing.
- When someone lodges a complaint against you with the university, the university must determine whether that complaint is credible before it issues any formal charges.
- If the university does decide to issue charges, it must provide you with notice of those charges. This notice should include an explanation of the complaint and a complete list of your due process rights.
- Among your several rights, you're allowed to select a support person to accompany you to investigative meetings and other official proceedings. This person may be an attorney, which means your Lento Law Firm attorney can be at your side throughout the case.
- You can expect UCSC to conduct some sort of investigation. Remember that you have the presumption of innocence. It cannot proceed against you without evidence. As part of the process, investigators will ask you to give your side of the story.
- Hazing investigations can be lengthy, sometimes taking weeks or months to complete. Throughout the investigation, you have the right to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- Once investigators submit their findings, the university sets a time and date for a hearing. The hearing provides you an opportunity to make the case for your innocence or otherwise explain your actions. You may offer physical evidence and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- Once both sides have had the chance to make their cases, decision-makers deliberate as to your level of responsibility. They employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence.” According to this standard, they must find you responsible if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed an offense.
- It is possible to appeal a hearing outcome, but you must have grounds to do so. Grounds typically include issues like a procedural error in the case, the discovery of new evidence, or a sanction that is harsher than the offense deserves.
While your Lento Law Firm can accompany you throughout the process, they cannot speak for you. You are expected to present your own defense.
What your attorney can do, though, is make absolutely sure you're prepared to defend yourself. They'll work with you, for example, to find evidence of your innocence. They'll coach you on how to respond to investigative questions. They'll draft your hearing presentation and make sure you're practiced in delivering it. Finally, you can always count on your attorney to pay close attention to the process itself. Their most important job is to guarantee that 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 the University of California Santa Cruz 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.
