Few disciplinary misconduct charges carry the weight of a hazing charge. Universities like UNT are under an enormous amount of pressure from both the public and the Texas legislature to prevent incidents. No surprise, then, that they can be overly zealous in policing their students. They're far too quick to accuse, far too aggressive in investigations, and far too likely to impose severe penalties.
Simply put, you never want to try and defend yourself from a hazing charge. You need someone looking out for your best interests, someone keeping your university honest. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm.
Why the Lento Law Firm? Our Student Defense Team is the best in the country at defending students. We were founded specifically to protect student rights, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We know the law, and we're familiar with UNT's judicial processes and procedures. Most importantly, no matter what your situation, we're on your side and ready to fight to make sure you get the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure UNT 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 Oregon
The easiest way to avoid a hazing charge at UNT is to avoid hazing. That's sometimes easier said than done. UNT's anti-hazing policy is complex and difficult to parse. Plenty of students wind up accused every year without even realizing they've violated the policy.
Here's what you need to know to stay out of trouble.
- You can be charged with an offense even if you didn't intend to do any harm. If your "reckless" behavior leads to some sort of physical harm, you can still be found responsible for hazing.
- While hazing is usually associated with fraternities and sororities, any group or organization at UNT can face charges. Music clubs, intramural sports teams, and even honor societies are responsible for following the university's policy.
- Hazing isn't always about initiation activities. It can be used to ensure continued membership in an organization or to induct new leaders.
- You can be charged with hazing even if you weren't directly involved in an incident. UNT makes “permitting” hazing an offense and even failing to report knowledge of hazing.
- The “willingness” of participants is irrelevant in hazing cases. Once membership is at stake, participation is, by definition, “coerced.” You cannot avoid a charge simply by having pledges sign waivers.
It's important to note that UNT's anti-hazing policy is mandated under Texas law. That's why the university maintains a page listing all hazing incidents from the last three years and how they were ultimately decided. However, UNT is not obligated to stop at state law. It is entitled to set and enforce its own policy. This means that even if the state decides you are entirely innocent of any charges, UNT can still investigate you, find you responsible, and punish you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
While it is relatively easy to find yourself charged with hazing at UNT, you have some important rights that can help you defend yourself. For example, the university is required to presume you are innocent ("not responsible") until it can prove your guilt. To do that, it must uncover a "preponderance of evidence," and it must give you a chance to respond to that evidence.
- Anyone may submit a hazing complaint against you to the Dean of Students Office. However, the Dean must determine whether the complaint is credible before proceeding to an official charge.
- If you've been charged with hazing, the DOS must provide you with notice of the charges. This notice should explain the allegations and include a complete list of your due process rights.
- You must speak on your own behalf at all official meetings, but you are entitled to select an advisor to accompany you. This means you're never entirely on your own. A Lento Law Firm attorney can be with you to offer advice.
- The DOS appoints an investigator to pursue the case. You have the right to give your side of the situation to this investigator and to offer evidence. In addition, the investigator must keep you apprised of all evidence they uncover against you.
- Hazing cases frequently involve dozens of students and can take weeks or even months to unfold. Once their work is completed, though, investigators turn over their findings to the DOS, which sets a time and date for a hearing.
- Minor cases at UNT are typically handled in an administrative conference before a single administrator. Hazing tends to be treated as a major offense, though, and cases usually appear before a Conduct Board.
- In either case, both sides have the right to present evidence and call witnesses to testify. You are also entitled to raise questions about any evidence used against you, including witness testimony.
- Decision-makers employ a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to determine responsibility (guilt or innocence). According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- Should you lose your case, you still have the option to appeal. However, you must have “grounds” for an appeal, some issue of fairness you're contesting. Usually, this means a procedural error, newly discovered evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
While your Lento Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you, they can play a crucial role in building and presenting your defense. Besides being on hand to offer advice, they can work with you to uncover evidence and develop your arguments. They can suggest questions for witnesses and help you draft your presentation. They can even coach you in delivering that presentation. Most importantly, they'll keep a close eye on the case to ensure you're treated fairly at every step of the way.
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 North Texas 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.
