Hazing, once a time-honored tradition at schools like the University of Georgia, is now essentially outlawed in all its forms. In fact, at this point, the pendulum has swung so far in the other direction that it's sometimes hard to avoid violating UGA's anti-hazing policy. Even something as seemingly innocuous as waking pledges up in the middle of the night can lead to investigations, hearings, and serious sanctions.
In an atmosphere like this, you can't afford to take any allegations lightly. You need the best help you can find to defend yourself.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we take that responsibility seriously. We can be fierce litigators, and we are well-versed in UGA rules and regulations as well as all judicial processes and procedures. We've represented hundreds of students, just like you, and we're experienced with hazing defenses. Most importantly, we're always on your side.
It's important you contact us quickly, though—the moment your charged or the moment you think you might be charged. UGA is already building its case. You should be, too. 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 Georgia
No one is arguing that any student should ever be put in danger as a result of hazing. That said, colleges and universities have become overly zealous in their efforts to protect students. UGA's anti-hazing policy is so broad that almost any initiation activity at all can earn you a charge.
Here's what you need to remember in order to stay out of trouble.
- Hazing isn't just about causing someone physical harm. "Embarrassment," "ridicule," and "harassment" all qualify as hazing offenses. In fact, simply "conducting activities which do not allow adequate time for study" is enough to trigger an investigation.
- You don't have to cause harm intentionally to be charged with hazing. “Reckless” and “negligent” actions are covered in the policy as well.
- Hazing is usually associated with fraternities and sororities, and, in fact, the Greek Life section of the UGA website includes a copy of the anti-hazing policy. That policy appears in the general Student Code of Conduct as well, though. The fact is that any member of any organization can be charged with hazing.
- The “consent” of participants is not a defense to hazing. Because something is at stake—membership in the organization—participants cannot truly consent. You cannot, for instance, avoid a hazing charge by having initiates sign waivers.
It is worth noting that hazing isn't just a matter of UGA policy; it's against Georgia state law. Among other strictures, the Max Gruver Act requires UGA and all other state schools to report incidents of hazing. One of the consequences of a requirement like that is that colleges and universities wind up conducting overly zealous investigations and imposing overly severe penalties. No school wants to appear soft on student misconduct with either the state legislature or the general public.
At the same time, UGA's policy is more inclusive than state law. Further, UGA is in no way required to consider the law when making its own decisions about a hazing case. Even if you are cleared of all charges by the state, the university can still investigate you, try you, and sanction you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
UGA can't sanction you without providing you with due process. Just as you would be in a criminal case, you are innocent until proven guilty (“not responsible” until proven “responsible”). The university needs concrete evidence to substantiate any charges, and you always have the right to challenge such evidence at a hearing.
- Cases begin with a complaint to the Office of Student Conduct, and it is this office that then handles the investigation and hearing.
- The Office of Student Conduct must provide you with notice of any charges filed against you. This notice should explain the nature of the allegations and include a full list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to an advisor of your choice, someone to accompany you to meetings and proceedings and to help you organize your case. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you, but they can be on hand to help you answer questions and present your defense.
- Again, the university cannot find you responsible for an offense without evidence. You should expect a thorough investigation. As part of this investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses for investigators to interview.
- Hazing cases are almost always complicated and can sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. When they are complete, however, the university will set a time and date for a hearing.
- Hearings take place before the University Judiciary. Both sides are given the chance to present arguments and to back those arguments with physical evidence and witness testimony. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- The University Judiciary decides all cases by applying the “preponderance of evidence” legal standard. According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- If you succeed at the hearing, your case is over. If, however, you are found responsible, you still have the right to file an appeal. Appeals must be based on issues of fairness, such as procedural errors, new evidence, and the severity of the sanction.
You can count on the Lento Law Firm attorney to handle every aspect of your case that they can. While they cannot "represent" you, they can
- Help you uncover evidence;
- Map out your strategy;
- Coach you in answering the investigator's questions;
- Prepare evidence;
- Suggest questions for witnesses;
- Draft documents;
- Give you practice in presenting your case;
- Write appeals.
Of course, their most important responsibility is ensuring you're treated fairly at every step of the process.
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 Georgia 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.
