If you follow the news at all, you know colleges and universities have been dealing with some pretty disturbing hazing incidents over the last several years. You also know that the state of California has responded to these incidents with new anti-hazing legislation known as "Matt's Law." The thing is, UC Irvine's own anti-hazing policy predates state law by decades. The university is committed to keeping students safe, and it has absolutely zero tolerance for any type of hazing. In fact, school policy is actually stricter than state law.
What that means is that if you're facing a hazing allegation, you can't afford to try and handle it by yourself. Processes and procedures can be complex, and sanctions can be severe, up to and including suspension and dismissal.
The good news is you don't have to handle these charges by yourself. UC Irvine provides you with a number of important due process protections, including the right to an advisor. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can coach you in answering investigators' questions, building your defense, and even helping you present your case at the hearing.
Before we can do any of that, you have to contact us. Call 888-535-3686, or take a few minutes right now and fill out one of our online forms.
Defining Hazing at UC Irvine
Of course, the very best way to protect yourself from a hazing charge is to avoid hazing in the first place. That's not always easy, we know, and we'll get into what to do if, despite your best efforts, you find yourself accused.
As a starting point, though, it's useful to know UC Irvine's rules. It turns out the university's definition of hazing is pretty broad, and you need to know all the various activities that qualify.
- For example, while California law defines hazing as “physical harm” that occurs as the result of initiation activities, UCI policy includes the possibility of “psychological harm.” Simple verbal harassment can count as hazing. Even preventing initiates from focusing on their studies could count.
- Hazing isn't just about “causing harm.” You can also be charged if activities are “likely to cause” harm. That is, even if absolutely nothing goes wrong during your hazing events, you can still be found Responsible (guilty).
- UCI's policy doesn't mention fraternities and sororities. Of course, Greek organizations are subject to the policy, but so is every other campus organization, from intramural sports teams to honor societies.
- Likewise, hazing isn't just about initiation. UCI policy notes that “any” organizational activity can be treated as hazing if it causes or risks harm.
One thing UC Irvine's policy doesn't do is assign specific sanctions to hazing incidents. Like most colleges and universities, UCI prefers to tailor punishments to the specifics of offenses. However, hazing is the kind of offense that makes headlines. The very public nature of investigations means schools tend to issue harsh penalties. No school wants to be seen as "soft" on misconduct. Suspension is usually the minimum penalty, and dismissal is always a possibility.
Suspension and dismissal are serious enough sanctions, but they include a transcript notation about the nature of your offense. Such notations can keep you from transferring anywhere else. Your academic career could essentially be over if you're found Responsible (guilty). This is one reason you need a Lento Law Firm attorney on your side. Any time the stakes are this serious, you need help from someone who knows what they're doing.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You can defend yourself from hazing allegations. You have rights, including the right to a thorough investigation and a formal hearing. Processes and procedures can be complex, though, and it helps to know what to expect.
- Hazing charges begin with a complaint. Anyone can make such a complaint, from initiates to other organizations to campus administrators.
- You will know you've been charged when you receive formal notice of the charges. The university cannot investigate you in secret. This notice will explain the allegations and provide you with a complete list of your due process rights.
- From the moment you are charged, you have the right to an advisor, someone to help you prepare and present your case. The Lento Law Firm attorney cannot “represent” you, but they can be on hand to help you answer questions and to offer general advice.
- You can expect investigators to interview you, any complainants (alleged victims), and potential witnesses. They'll also collect any physical evidence. Hazing investigations can be complicated and may take several weeks or even months to complete.
- Ultimately, investigators submit a written report of their findings to the Dean of Students. The Dean then appoints a Student Conduct Review Board to hear the case.
- The hearing provides you an opportunity to formally respond to the charges against you. You may offer your own evidence, including witness testimony, but you may also raise questions about the evidence being used against you.
- The Review Board employs a legal standard known as “preponderance of the evidence” to decide the case. According to this standard, you are guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced of your guilt.
- You are entitled to a fair investigation and to fair adjudication. To guarantee those things happen, you can appeal the hearing outcome if any procedural error occurred, if you should discover new evidence, or if you believe your sanction is disproportionate to the offense.
This general outline only hints at the complexities of the UC Irving judicial system. Many factors can complicate a case. If there's a sexual component, for example, you may be subject to federal Title IX rules. There may be multiple complainants and multiple respondents. You could be caught up in a case just for being in a leadership position.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm is on your side, and your attorney knows exactly what to expect. We've dealt with hundreds of hazing cases, and we know UC Irvine's judicial procedures. Don't trust your defense to a local or family attorney. Make sure you have someone on your side who knows how student defenses work. Make sure you call the Lento Law Firm.
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 UCI 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.
