Greek Life and Hazing Violations

Call Now To Speak With Me Immediately

Why Getting Legal Help for Hazing Allegations Is Vital 

In colleges across the U.S., hazing is a common initiation rite for sorority and fraternity pledges, but it is also a violation of those college’s Codes of Student Conduct.  Students who are accused of hazing violations may face college disciplinary action anywhere from a warning up to expulsion. Because of the potentially severe consequences, it is advisable for students who have been accused of hazing to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Red Cups Hazing Violations

What is Hazing? 

Hazing is defined as: 
• the imposition of strenuous, often humiliating, tasks as part of a program of rigorous physical training and initiation.

• humiliating and sometimes dangerous initiation rituals, especially as imposed on college students seeking membership to a fraternity or sorority.

Hazing can be as innocuous as learning to recite the Greek alphabet, memorizing the organization’s history, interviewing with current members, or volunteering at the local nursing home. However, hazing also often involves binge drinking, humiliation, physical activity to the point of exhaustion, and other dangerous activities that put teens at risk.

Fraternity and Sorority Culture and Hazing 

Fraternity and sorority culture put prospective members through a rigorous pledge period. As a part of the process, hazing is often viewed as a rite of passage in order to join the group. It is commonly viewed by members of the groups as a means of building group solidarity, and the culture involved with Greek life on campus encourages loyalty to the fraternity or the sorority.

How Schools Handle Hazing Allegations 

All universities and colleges have policies and procedures in place outlining how hazing allegations are investigated and adjudicated. Usually, the following process is used. 

Once the school is notified of a hazing violation, the university will begin the investigative process. The specific students being accused will receive notice, and they will be asked to come into the student conduct office to tell their side of the story. The interviews may be conducted with pledges, current members and the organizational leadership. Upon completion of the investigation, the school will then determine what charges should be made against the students and the organizations that were allegedly involved. 

After the student has been informed of the charges the school will most likely schedule a hearing where the accused student will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in an attempt to show the school cannot prove the allegations.

If found responsible for a hazing violation a student could receive the following punishment. 

• Warning
• Restrictions on certain events and participation in clubs or athletic teams
• Probation
• Probation, suspension, or expulsion from dormitories
• Final probation (If found responsible for additional offense you will be automatically suspended)
• Suspension
• Expulsion

Fraternities and sororities that are accused may also be punished as a group. The organization can be suspended or may no longer be recognized by the school.   

The Importance of Seeking Legal Help 

The policies at schools and universities have become much stricter about hazing due to the national attention hazing incidents have received in the past few decades.

Being accused of a hazing violation is very serious allegation that warrants care if you have been notified of an allegation that has been made against you. 

While many students believe that they can clarify things by explaining their side of the story to the school, it is vital that you do not agree to an interview about the alleged hazing incident without the help of an attorney. When you agree to be interviewed or interrogated about the incident, anything that you say can be used against you in both your college disciplinary proceeding as well as any corollary criminal case.

If you are asked to come in for an interview about the incident, and you do not have an attorney, it is in your best interest to tell the school that you would like to listen to what they have to say but you won’t be making any statements until you have a better understanding of the allegations they are making against you. 

A hazing adjudication within a university’s disciplinary process can cause permanent harm. In addition to potentially facing such things as suspension, expulsion, or other consequences, you may face collateral consequences that continue long after your case is over. If you find yourself in this situation, please call me at 516-742-2300 for a free consultation. We will discuss your situation and I will give you advice on how to move forward. 

Past Client Testimonials

Past Client Testimonials

I am a student who was falsely accused of a Title IX offense. At first, I thought I could handle the school’s procedures by myself without an attorney, but things started getting complicated. At that point, I knew I needed professional help. Even though I was falsely accused, the procedure needs an expert to navigate through the school’s rules. Scott has confidence due to his experience in Title IX cases in other universities who all have different rules and procedures regarding Title IX.  Scott was always available to answer my calls and text messages. He gave 110% into my preparation and defense hearing, and met with me several times to go over any questions and concerns my family and I had. He would listen to everyone’s thoughts and told us the right way to go about my case. As a student, I would highly recommend Scott for representation in any kind of defense and/or Title IX cases.

Anonymous

Mr. Limmer was very professional, knowledgeable and reassuring during a very unsettling time for my son (and family). Scott has experience in dealing with college based disciplinary claims and was very available to both my son and myself to offer practical, wise advice. He was easy and very 'real' to talk to, helping my son get the best outcome from a difficult situation. We appreciated his help and would recommend him without hesitation.

Anonymous

Our son was falsely accused of Title IX violations at college. His future was at stake. We knew we needed to hire the right lawyer to defend him. We hired Scott and not only did he defend and advise him, but we won the case and all charges were dropped! The cost of hiring him was an excellent investment. Scott was honest, professional, extremely knowledgeable and the right man for the job. He made my son comfortable throughout the terrifying experience. Highly recommend him.

Anonymous

I worked with Mr. Limmer on a school title ix hearing case. The chances of winning these cases is very slim because of preponderance of evidence, which makes it impossible for the defendant to prove themselves. Mr. Limmer stood by me throughout the process and guided me at each step on how to go through the process and prepare a solid defense. We worked on it together and result was ruled in our favor. He's really experienced in this area and knows long island schools well

Anonymous

It is with great pleasure that I am writing this review of attorney Scott Limmer.  The college academic disciplinary process was confusing and seemed to be a process that is unfair and finds students guilty. I strongly suggest that if one finds themselves in this type of situation they would seek out Scott Limmer, a qualified professional who protects the rights of students and is well versed in academic college procedure.  I am grateful for the legal advice Scott Limmer provided to me and my daughter every step of the way as it lead to a favorable outcome and prevented my daughter from having a tarnished academic record. Scott was supportive and responsive to me as a parent as well as my daughter. I highly recommend Scott Limmer as he was honest, knowledgeable, and informative throughout this whole process. We are forever grateful to Scott Limmer.

AnonymousAccused of Academic Dishonesty. Was found not responsible 

Scott was super helpful in helping me defend myself against accusations my school made against me. I wasn’t allowed to have an lawyer represent me for me school hearing as is common. But we spent days going over the evidence and preparing my statements and making sure I had valid arguments to make as well as answers to any questions I may be asked. The statements he wrote for me and the trial prep we did was crucial in my case and lead to a favorable outcome. I would highly recommend.

AnonymousCharged with Academic Misconduct. Was found not responsible. 

I am a Long Island college student who was wrongly accused amongst others for academic dishonesty based on a professor’s assumptions. I researched lawyers and was fortunate to find Scott Limmer who is an excellent academic disciplinary attorney. Scott was an amazing attorney who made me feel comfortable throughout this difficult process. He was always available to answer any questions I had and offered expert legal advice every step of the way.  He prepared me extensively for the hearing, going over the evidence and arguments for weeks prior to the hearing date.  I am so grateful that I had Scott Limmer as my attorney and I would highly recommend him. With his legal guidance, I was fortunate to receive a favorable outcome as I was found not responsible for academic dishonesty and I received my final grade for the class with no penalty.

Anonymous