If you've been accused of hazing at the University of Central Florida, you cannot afford to try and handle the situation all on your own. Penalties can be severe, and cases can be extremely complex, sometimes involving dozens of students. While your organization may stand accused as well, you cannot expect it to protect your interests. You need someone in your corner looking out for your rights.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to defend students from disciplinary misconduct charges. We've helped hundreds of students challenge all types of allegations, including hazing allegations. We know UCF rules and regulations, and we know how the university's judicial processes work. You can count on us to use every resource at our disposal to ensure you're treated fairly and that you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure UCF 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 Central Florida
The best way to avoid a hazing charge at UCF? Avoiding hazing at UCF. The thing is, that's easier said than done. The university's anti-hazing policy is extensive, and "hazing" itself is broadly defined. That means it's possible to wind up accused without even realizing you've broken a rule. Here are some important aspects of the policy you should keep in mind.
- Should you harm another student physically as part of initiation activities, you can be sure you'll face a hazing charge. However, you can also be charged for harming a person “mentally.” Intimidation and sometimes even simple harassment can be enough to trigger an investigation.
- In fact, you don't actually have to harm anyone to wind up accused of hazing. Any action that “endangers” another student is enough to qualify as an offense. You can't hold an initiation activity and simply hope that nothing goes wrong. Even if it doesn't, you could still face charges.
- Hazing is not just something that happens in fraternities and sororities. Music clubs can be accused of hazing. Honor societies can be accused. Even religious groups can face allegations.
- Even if you didn't actively participate in hazing, you may still be charged. Helping plan events is an offense. Sometimes, just failing to report hazing is an offense.
- Pledges never “willingly” participate in hazing. Because membership in the organization is at stake, they are always, by definition, “coerced” into participation. Even having pledges sign consent forms cannot protect you from a charge.
You should know that hazing isn't just a violation of UCF policy. It's also a violation of Florida state law. However, UCF charges are unrelated to any state charges you may face. That means you can investigated and punished by the university even if the state determines you are innocent of any charges.
Any time UCF accuses you of hazing, you need a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side, making sure the university affords you all the rights you deserve.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Just as in the criminal justice system, there is a clear set of processes and procedures in place at UCF to defend yourself from charges of misconduct. When you're accused of an offense, including hazing, you're entitled to a presumption of “not responsible” (innocence), to an investigation, and to a hearing.
Here's how those processes typically work.
- Anyone may submit an accusation of hazing to the Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI). The Director then determines whether or not to pursue formal charges.
- If you are charged, the Director must provide you with official notice of those charges. Notice should explain the allegations and describe your various due process rights.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor, who may be an attorney. A Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, but they can help you answer questions and assist in presenting your defense.
- UCF must conduct some type of investigation. It cannot proceed against you without evidence. As part of the investigation process, you should be invited to give your side of the story. In addition, you can submit evidence and suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Ultimately, investigators submit their findings to the SCAI. You have the right to review those findings before the SCAI sets a date for your hearing.
- The hearing is a chance for both sides to make their case to the Student Conduct Board. Both sides offer arguments and support those arguments with physical evidence and witness testimony. You also have the right to raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- The Conduct Board then employs the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard to decide whether or not you are “responsible for” (guilty of) an offense. This standard asserts that you are guilty if Board Members are more than fifty percent convinced you are guilty.
- You can appeal a hearing outcome, but not simply because you disagree with that outcome. You need grounds, such as a procedural error, new evidence to present, or a disproportionate sanction.
While your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, they can conduct most aspects of your defense. You can expect them, for example, to assist you in uncovering evidence. They'll coach you on how to respond to investigators. They'll draft documents on your behalf, outline your hearing presentation, and suggest questions for witnesses. Throughout it all, they'll be on hand to offer advice and to ensure that UCF respects your rights.
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 Central Florida 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.
