You cannot handle a hazing charge on your own. There's too much at stake, and the judicial process at Utah Valley University is too complex.
Luckily, you don't have to. Utah Valley gives you the right to a support person who may be an attorney. This means you can have someone from the Lento Law Firm on your side from the very moment you are charged with an offense.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights. We understand the situation and just how serious hazing charges can be. We're also familiar with Utah Valley's procedures, and we know how to use them to your benefit. Whatever your particular situation, we're on your side and ready to use every resource at our disposal to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure Utah Valley University 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 Utah Valley University
Most students think they know what hazing means. Most students don't. The thing is, hazing has become a cause of deep public concern over the last several years, and as a result, schools like UVU have been tightening up their policies. UVU's definition of hazing is so broad at this point that almost any initiation activity qualifies as an offense. Here's what you need to know.
- Hazing doesn't just refer to initiation activities that cause physical harm to others. You can also be charged for harming another student's “mental” health. Intimidation and even simple verbal harassment can be enough to initiate an investigation.
- Further, you can be charged whether or not you actually cause anyone any harm. At issue is whether or not you create a “risk” of harm. If your initiation activities endanger others, you're likely responsible for (guilty of) an offense.
- Every campus organization is subject to the anti-hazing policy, not just fraternities and sororities. Even honor societies and their members can be charged with offenses.
- There is nothing you can do to make your hazing activities “legal.” Asking pledges to sign waivers, for instance, won't help. Anyone required to participate as a condition of membership is, by definition, coerced into that participation.
Most hazing cases end in either suspension or dismissal, and those outcomes are recorded on your transcript. You can't simply transfer your way out of a hazing charge. You must face it. The Lento Law Firm is here to help you do that. We're committed to protecting your educational future.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
As strict as UVU's anti-hazing policy is, and as much authority as it has to punish you for policy violations, it cannot simply suspend you, dismiss you, or apply any other sanction without providing you with due process. Just as in a court of law, you are entitled to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). The university must conduct an investigation, and it must give you the opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing.
- Anyone can accuse you of hazing, from pledges to other organizations. The Student Conduct Office must believe the accusations are credible, though, before it initiates any type of investigation.
- If you've been officially charged with hazing, UVU will issue you notice of those charges. This notice should explain the accusations and apprise you of your due process rights.
- As part of the investigation, the Student Conduct Office should give you a chance to give your side of the story. Again, you are entitled to invite a Lento Law Firm attorney to accompany you to any investigative meetings. We cannot speak for you, but we can offer advice throughout the process.
- Hazing investigations sometimes take weeks or months to complete. When they are through, though, investigators submit their findings to the Student Conduct Office, which sets a time and date for a hearing. Note that before the hearing takes place, you also have the right to review the investigators' findings.
- Hearings take place before a designated Conduct Administrator. Both sides are allowed to present evidence, including witness testimony. In addition, you may raise questions about any evidence being used against you, including witness testimony.
- Ultimately, the Conduct Administrator must determine whether or not there is a “preponderance of evidence” demonstrating your responsibility. In simple terms, you are guilty if it seems “more likely than not” that you committed an offense.
- Once you've received notice of the hearing outcome, you may appeal that outcome. You must have grounds to do so, though, such as a procedural error, new evidence to present, or a disproportionate sanction.
UVU requires students to defend themselves throughout the judicial process. You still need a Lento Law Firm attorney. It's our job to prepare you to defend yourself. It's our job to help you uncover evidence and outline your strongest arguments. We'll make sure you're ready to answer investigators' questions. You can count on us to draft your hearing presentation and suggest questions for witnesses. We'll also give you practice in making your case. Finally, we're on hand to monitor the process. Our most important job is to ensure you're treated fairly.
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 Utah Valley University 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.
