Hazing allegations can significantly impact the reputation and future of your fraternity or sorority, let alone the consequences it can have for individual members. At DC Student Defense, Shan Wu has years of experience defending students against university disciplinary proceedings. We can provide the legal support that you and your organization need to safeguard your rights and futures.
What Should I Do if My Fraternity or Sorority Is Accused of Hazing?
The definition of hazing varies from school to school, and there are legal definitions in some states as well. In general, there are a wide variety of actions that can be considered hazing, including but not limited to the following:
- Forced alcohol consumption
- Causing mental or physical discomfort
- Embarrassment
- Harassment
- Ridicule
- Any other activities inconsistent with your university’s code of student conduct
If you or your organization is accused of hazing, it is crucial to contact an attorney experienced in defending against hazing charges in both criminal courts and university disciplinary systems.
What Are the Potential Consequences if My Fraternity or Sorority Is Accused of Hazing?
In light of recent hazing-related deaths across the nation, colleges and universities are taking hazing allegations more seriously than ever. In many institutions, groups and organizations can be held responsible for the actions of their members.
In addition, your academic standing, student housing, financial aid, and scholarships may be in jeopardy. Even future employment can be affected by a student code of conduct violation that remains on your academic or disciplinary record. While college and university disciplinary proceedings may seem less formal than criminal hearings, the stakes can be just as high.
In some cases, the university will inform the local authorities, and a parallel criminal investigation will take place. The potential criminal penalties can range from misdemeanor to felony conviction, including up to 5 years in prison.
Do I Need an Attorney if My Fraternity or Sorority Is Accused of Hazing?
Yes. Hazing can lead to criminal charges and student conduct code violations resulting in suspension or expulsion. University disciplinary investigations may start by investigating your fraternity or sorority but can expand to individual students. Students and faculty who serve on a university hearing board or conduct disciplinary conferences usually lack legal training, and the rules can be heavily slanted against the student’s rights.
The good news is that DC Student Defense can help you navigate the often-prejudicial disciplinary hearings at your college/university. We aim to mitigate or prevent unjust disciplinary findings against you, and defend your rights against any potential criminal prosecution. We will work to ensure your university’s office of student conduct and the criminal justice system provide the fair and just processes you deserve.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes hazing?
Definitions will vary between schools and states, but typically, hazing includes activities that cause mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule and are inconsistent with a college/university’s code of student conduct.
What are the academic consequences of hazing allegations?
Consequences can include criminal charges, suspension or expulsion, loss of student housing, financial aid, and scholarships, as well as future employment issues due to a student conduct code violation on your record.
What are the criminal consequences of hazing charges?
In some cases, the university will inform the local authorities, and a parallel criminal investigation will take place. The potential criminal penalties can range from misdemeanor to felony conviction, including up to 5 years in prison.