You cannot afford to take any disciplinary misconduct allegation at the University of Texas at Arlington lightly. That goes double for hazing allegations. It is no exaggeration to say that your entire future may be at risk, and these cases can be extremely complex. Often, dozens of students are involved, and just sorting out who did what can be a nightmare.
Luckily, you don't have to take on a hazing charge—or any other misconduct charge—alone. The Lento Law Firm is on your side and ready to fight to protect you and your rights. Our Student Defense Team is familiar with UT-Arlington's judicial procedures, and we've helped hundreds of students just like you to respond to misconduct allegations.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure UT-Arlington 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 Texas at Arlington
One of the biggest problems of taking on a hazing charge at UT-Arlington is that the university maintains such a broad definition of the offense. It can be difficult knowing how to avoid a charge in the first place. It can be even more difficult, sorting out whether your actions actually constitute a genuine policy violation. For example,
- You already know that hazing involves physically harming another student as part of an initiation ritual. Many students don't realize, though, that you can also be charged for doing “mental harm” to another student. Intimidation, bullying, even simple harassment can be grounds for an investigation.
- Students sometimes assume they'll only be charged with an offense if something goes wrong or someone complains. In fact, just creating the circumstances in which harm might occur is enough to warrant a charge. Your event might go perfectly, and you could still be investigated.
- Hazing isn't something that just happens in fraternities and sororities. All campus groups and organizations are expected to abide by the anti-hazing policy, from music clubs to religious groups.
- You cannot avoid a charge by moving your activities off campus. Hazing is hazing wherever it occurs.
- In addition, you cannot avoid a hazing charge by having initiates sign waivers. Anyone trying to get into the organization is, by definition, "coerced" into participation.
Note that hazing is illegal in the state of Texas. That fact adds important weight to the UT-Arlington policy. State law does not replace UT-Arlington policy, though. You can be charged with an offense by both the state and the university. Further, even if the state should decide you are innocent of the charges, the university may still find you responsible (guilty). UT-Arlington's definition of hazing is stricter than the state's, and it has authority to punish you according to its own rules.
Typically, the minimum sanction for hazing is suspension. Dismissal is also common. This is one reason you need the Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. We understand what's at stake, and we know how to use school policy to protect you.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
Of course, UT-Arlington can't simply accuse you and dismiss you. Any time you're accused of disciplinary misconduct, you're entitled to due process. You're innocent (“not responsible) until proven guilty (“responsible”), and the university needs concrete proof before imposing any kind of sanction. Along the way, you have numerous opportunities to challenge any allegations.
- The Office of Community Standards receives all complaints of misconduct. This Office's first job is to determine whether a given complaint is credible enough to warrant an investigation.
- If you are under investigation, the Office of Community Standards must provide you with written notice of the charges against you. This notice should describe the complaint and include a list of your due process rights.
- As part of the investigation, you have the right to give your side of the story, submit evidence, and suggest witnesses. In addition, you are entitled to review all evidence investigators uncover.
- Hazing investigations sometimes take weeks or even months to complete. Once they have finished their work, investigators submit a full written report of their findings to a Community Standards Conduct Officer.
- Minor allegations are usually handled by the Conduct Officer. Most hazing cases, though, are passed off to a Hearing Officer. In either case, you have the right to introduce evidence, call witnesses to testify and challenge any evidence being used against you.
- All UT-Arlington cases are decided using the “preponderance of the evidence” legal standard. According to this standard, you are responsible (guilty) if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- Finally, you have the right to appeal a responsible finding. You must have grounds on which to do so, though. That typically means new evidence to present, an accusation of procedural error, or a complaint about the severity of your sanction.
UT-Arlington's disciplinary procedures don't specify whether or not students are entitled to bring an advisor with them to investigative meetings and other proceedings, nor whether such advisors might be attorneys.
Keep in mind, though, that accompanying you to interviews and hearings is only a very small part of the Lento Law Firm attorney's job. It's their responsibility, for instance, to help you uncover evidence. They'll coach you in how to respond to investigative questions. When it comes to the hearing, they'll outline your defense strategy and draft your presentation. They'll suggest questions for witnesses. If you should lose your case, they'll file your appeal. Most importantly, they'll monitor everything that happens and make sure you're treated fairly 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 Texas at Arlington 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.
