Hazing isn't the sort of disciplinary misconduct charge you can mess about with. It's not like you've been accused of putting a nail into your dorm room wall. Hazing charges are complex, often involving dozens of students. The penalties can be severe. These are the kinds of allegations that wind up on the evening news, and no university is ever going to take an investigation lightly if the public is watching.
So, what do you do if you find yourself charged with hazing? First, don't panic. There are ways to deal with the situation. In fact, Virginia Tech is required by its own policies to afford you due process protection. You do want to find out all you can about the charges, though, and about how the university's judicial system works. You also want to get help. Hazing is too serious to handle on your own.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side. We exist to protect student rights, and we've had a lot of experience doing that. We've helped hundreds of students defend themselves from all types of charges, including hazing. We know the Virginia Tech system, and we can show you how to use it to your advantage.
It's important you contact us quickly, though. You can be sure VT 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 Virginia Tech
Let's start with an overview of Virginia Tech's anti-hazing policy. Students often think they understand what constitutes a hazing offense. The fact is, though, that VT's policy is broadly written and many of our clients don't even realize they've committed an offense until they're charged.
- VT's policy mentions that hazing can cause physical injury, but that's not where the university places its emphasis. The definition of hazing describes it as any act that “could cause discomfort, pain, fright, disgrace, or injury.” Notice injury appears at the end of this list. Further, in its list of examples, VT includes “humiliation,” “sleep deprivation” and “acts of exertion.”
- Note, too, the use of the phrase “could cause.” That is, you don't have to actually cause harm to anyone to wind up accused of hazing. If you simply create a situation in which harm might occur, that's enough.
- Hazing isn't just about the harm you might do to others. You can also be charged for encouraging others to break the law or violate university policies.
- Hazing is generally associated with fraternities and sororities. However, VT's policy doesn't use either of these words. Instead, it talks generally about “groups.” Any campus organization and its members can be charged with hazing. Honor societies and drama clubs are not immune.
- Finally, you cannot defend yourself from a hazing charge by claiming that initiates were “willing” to participate. Once membership in the organization is at stake, participation is, by definition, “coerced.”
As of 2022, hazing is also a violation of Virginia state law (Adam's law). While this gives added weight to Virginia Tech's policy, it does not replace that policy. University definitions of hazing are stricter than the state's, and you can be charged with an offense even if state prosecutors decide you are innocent under the law. VT sanctions for hazing can include suspension and even outright dismissal. In fact, you can have your degree revoked if the university should discover at some time in the future that you committed an offense.
Any time your academic future is at stake, you need the best help you can find. The Lento Law Firm is the premier firm in the country when it comes to student representation. No one offers you a better chance of successfully defending yourself.
Defending Yourself From Hazing Allegations
You can defend yourself, even from a hazing charge. Under Virginia Tech policy, students accused of disciplinary misconduct, including hazing, are entitled to a presumption of innocence (“not responsible”). VT must substantiate any charges against you with concrete evidence, and you have the right to challenge that evidence at a hearing.
- Cases begin with a complaint. Anyone may lodge such a complaint against you with the Office of Student Conduct, including initiates, organization members, other organizations, organization advisors, staff, faculty, other students, administrators, and security personnel.
- If the Office of Student Conduct decides to issue formal charges, it will provide you with notice of those charges. This notice should include a description of the allegations and a complete list of your due process rights.
- Under VT policy, you have the right to an advisor of your choice. The Lento Law Firm attorney can be at your side the moment you retain them, helping you to respond to investigative questions and build your case.
- Investigators typically start by interviewing both the respondent (the accused, you) and any complainants (your accusers). In addition, they'll talk with witnesses and collect any physical evidence.
- Hazing investigations can be lengthy, sometimes lasting for weeks or even months. Once they are complete, investigators turn over their findings to the Office of Student Conduct, which sets a time and date for a hearing.
- The hearing is your chance to make your full case. You may offer arguments, introduce evidence, and call witnesses to testify. You may also raise questions for anyone testifying against you.
- All misconduct cases, including those related to hazing charges, are decided using the legal standard “preponderance of the evidence.” Less strict than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” this standard requires decision-makers find you guilty if they are more than fifty percent convinced you committed the offense.
- You can appeal the hearing outcome, but you must have grounds to do so. At VT, grounds are strictly limited to the denial of procedural guarantees, the discovery of new evidence, and “unduly harsh or arbitrary” findings.
To be clear, the Lento Law Firm attorney cannot speak for you. VT requires students to present their own cases. However, your attorney can prepare you to do that. They'll work with you to uncover evidence and outline your strongest arguments. They'll help you to draft your presentation and coach you in making your points. Most importantly, they'll be at your side to offer advice and ensure the university respects your rights 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 Virginia Tech 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.
