If you've found yourself charged with a hazing offense at the University of Oregon, you cannot afford to take the situation lightly. What does taking it “seriously” mean, though?
For starters, it means finding out everything you can about the charges against you. Hazing is broadly defined at UO, and it's possible you may have made a mistake without realizing it. You need to know exactly what you've been accused of doing before you can properly defend yourself.
Next, you want to make sure you're familiar with UO's judicial procedures. These can be complicated and difficult to navigate. The more you know about what you'll be facing, the better prepared you'll be to face it.
Finally, and most importantly, you want to make sure you have the right help on your side. A hazing charge isn't the kind of offense you can handle alone. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team knows what you're up against, and we're familiar with all of UO's rules and regulations. We'll make sure 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 UO 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
First things first—what exactly is hazing? Yeah, we know you know what hazing is. In a general sense. It turns out that a general definition of hazing isn't nearly good enough. The devil's in the details, as they say, and if you don't know the details of UO's anti-hazing policy, you're almost certain to violate it. For example,
- Just because you haven't injured anyone doesn't mean you haven't committed a hazing offense. You can be charged for causing another student "mental or physical discomfort" or for subjecting them to "embarrassment, injury" or ridicule." "Discomfort" is an awfully broad term. Even keeping a pledge from studying in the evening might be enough to garner an offense.
- Likewise, you can be charged simply for creating the conditions in which harm could occur. UO's policy describes hazing as any act that “a reasonable person could foresee” might cause harm.
- Hazing tends to be associated with fraternities and sororities, and, in fact, UO's Greek-centered web pages make a point of including the hazing policy. However, the policy itself uses the broader term "organization." Music clubs and their members can be charged with hazing. The same is true of athletic groups and even honor societies.
- It doesn't matter if all of your pledges back you up and no one complains. You can still face a hazing charge. Even having pledges sign a waiver won't protect you. The "willingness" of participants is irrelevant because membership in the organization is at stake.
As it happens, Oregon state law also prohibits hazing. It's important to note, though, that UO's policy is actually stricter than the law, and UO is entitled to enforce its policy whether or not the state of Oregon decides to intervene. You can be investigated by the state and the university at the same time. In fact, even if the state clears you of all charges, that won't prevent UO from charging you, investigating you, finding you responsible (guilty), and imposing a penalty like suspension or dismissal.
The risks are high. You need the best help you can get. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Of course, the University of Oregon cannot simply accuse you of hazing and summarily impose a penalty. As in the real world, the university must presume you innocent (“not responsible”), conduct an investigation, and give you the opportunity to defend yourself at a formal hearing.
Here's what the UO judicial process looks like.
- Anyone may lodge a complaint against you with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, including initiates, organization members, other organizations, organization advisors, faculty, staff, administrators, and security personnel.
- If the OSCCS does decide to issue charges, the Director must provide you with notice of those charges. That notice must include a description of the complaint and a list of your due process rights.
- You have the right to a “support person” and to choose an attorney to fill this role. This means the Lento Law Firm attorney can accompany you to all formal proceedings to offer advice and help you present your defense.
- The Director appoints an investigator to uncover the facts of the case. This investigator collects physical evidence and interviews anyone involved. As part of the process, you have the right to give your side of the story, to submit evidence, and to suggest witnesses.
- Hazing cases are often complicated, involving dozens of students. As a result, they may take weeks or months to complete. When the process is over, though, investigators submit their findings to the Director of the OSCCS, who sets a time and date for an “administrative conference” to decide the matter.
- The administrative conference is your best chance to make the case for your innocence. You may offer arguments, present evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You are also entitled to raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- The administrator presiding over the case then makes a decision as to your level of responsibility (guilt) using the “preponderance of evidence” legal standard as a guideline. According to this standard, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed the offense.
- UO also maintains an appeals process for students who feel they were denied a fair chance at a hearing. You must have grounds to file such an appeal, such as a procedural error, the discovery of new evidence, or a disproportionate sanction.
While they cannot speak for you, the Lento Law Firm can handle most of the aspects of preparing your case. They'll work with you to find evidence, for instance, coach you in responding to investigative questions, and help you draft your conference presentation. Of course, they'll also be at your side throughout to offer advice and ensure the university 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 Oregon 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.
