A hazing charge is always serious. Sanctions can be severe, and the judicial process at the University of South Florida (USF) can be complex and difficult to navigate. Often, these cases involve dozens of students, and it's not unusual for them to become the focus of the nightly news.
To put it simply, you cannot try to handle one of these cases on your own. Whatever your situation, whether you're entirely innocent or you did make some sort of mistake, you need the best help you can possibly find. You need someone from the Lento Law Firm.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We know what you're up against, and we know the stakes. We're well-versed on USF judicial rules and procedures, and we've helped hundreds of students respond to disciplinary misconduct charges, including hazing.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure USF 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 South Florida
USF doesn't just prohibit hazing but also leaves it at that. The school's anti-hazing policy runs to a full seven pages. The problem with a lengthy, complicated policy is that it can be difficult to know what's allowed and what isn't. USF's definition of hazing is particularly broad. For instance,
- USF doesn't consider hazing to be just conduct that leads to physical harm. You can also be charged for actions that endanger another person's mental or emotional health. You can be charged for actions designed to humiliate or interfere with someone's "academic studies." Even keeping a pledge up too late could be enough to trigger an investigation.
- You don't have to cause anyone actual harm to be accused of hazing. If you “endanger” another person, whether intentionally or recklessly, you're guilty of a hazing offense. Even if everything about your initiation event goes perfectly, you could still be charged.
- You don't have to be a member of a fraternity or sorority to be charged with hazing. USF's policy applies to all campus organizations, from music clubs to honor societies to religious groups.
- Off-campus events are subject to the anti-hazing policy just as on-campus events are.
- There is no such thing as a “willing” participant in hazing cases. The university considers anyone subjected to hazing “coerced” into participation, even if they don't actually complain.
USF's policy is underpinned by Florida state's anti-hazing laws. However, these laws are not as strict as university policy, and they do not supersede it. That is, you can face charges from both the state and the university at the same time. And even if Florida decides you are entirely innocent, that won't prevent USF from conducting its own investigation, finding you responsible (guilty), and imposing its own sanctions.
The minimum penalty in these cases is usually suspension, and many students wind up dismissed. Any time your academic future is on the line, you must take it seriously. That means making sure someone from the Lento Law Firm is in your corner, looking out for your rights.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
As strict as USF's anti-hazing policy is, you do have some important rights. Any time you're accused of an offense, you're entitled to the presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). The university must conduct a thorough investigation, it must have concrete evidence, and it must give you the chance to respond to that evidence.
- Anyone at USF can accuse you of hazing, from initiates to other organizations. Accusations are directed to the Student Conduct and Ethical Development office (SCED). This Office must evaluate these accusations to determine whether or not they warrant a full investigation.
- If you are under investigation, the SCED must issue you formal notice of the charges against you. This notice must explain the allegations and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- One of your most important rights is the right to an advisor, someone to accompany you to meetings and other proceedings. The Lento Law Firm attorney can be on hand from the moment you're charged to offer advice and help you answer questions.
- The first phase of the case is an investigation. As part of this process, you should be invited to give your side of the story. You can also offer evidence and suggest witnesses. Throughout the investigation, you have the right to review any evidence investigators uncover.
- Once investigators have completed their work, they turn their findings over to the SCED, which then sets a time and date for a formal hearing. Minor disciplinary misconduct cases at USF are typically handled through an administrative conference. Most hazing cases, though, are serious enough to warrant a full hearing before the University Conduct Board.
- You always have the right to introduce evidence and call witnesses as part of your hearing. You may also raise questions about any evidence being used against you.
- All USF cases are decided based on the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. Less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard holds you responsible (guilty) if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- You can appeal a hearing outcome, but not simply because you disagree with that outcome. You must be able to demonstrate you were treated unfairly by the process. Grounds for appeal include new evidence to present, an allegation of procedural error, or an argument about the severity of the sanction.
Throughout the judicial process, the Lento Law Firm attorney will make certain the USF treats you fairly and respects your rights. While we cannot speak for you, we can also make sure you're fully prepared to respond to questions and present your case. From helping you collect evidence to outlining your defense, we're on your side and fully committed to fighting for your future.
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 South 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.
