Rancho Cucamonga Hazing Defense Lawyers

Guiding Students, Fraternities, & Sororities Through Hazing Charges

As a student, you may be aware of the great pressure to fit in and make friends on your college or university campus. This is especially true for those joining a fraternity or sorority. In many cases, the pressure to fit in and be accepted by your peers can lead to poor decision-making and even criminal actions.

One of the most common and most serious mistakes made by students in these situations is participating in or engaging in hazing activities. These activities often involve physical, emotional, or mental harm to an individual and can lead to serious consequences for the student(s) involved.

If you or your child has been accused of hazing, it is important to reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates is prepared to help.

To learn more about your rights and legal options, call our hazing defense attorneys at (909) 658-7341 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations.

What Is Hazing?

"Hazing" refers to any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or body, whether the organization is officially recognized by an educational institution or not. This can include fraternities, social groups, or other campus organizations. Hazing in California is defined under Penal Code §245.6.

In other words, hazing is any activity or initiation that puts a student’s physical or mental health at risk or causes the student to feel humiliated, embarrassed, or disrespected. Hazing can take many forms and may involve a single person or a group of people.

Types of Hazing

There are several ways in which hazing can manifest. The most common types include:

• Physical hazing: This involves any type of initiation that puts students in physical danger or harms them physically. Common examples of physical hazing include being required to perform physical tasks that are dangerous or that push the student past their physical limits, being subjected to physical abuse or assault, being forced to eat or drink disgusting things, being deprived of food, water, or sleep, and more.
• Emotional hazing: Emotional hazing involves initiation activities that cause emotional harm to a student. This can include being required to participate in activities that are designed to humiliate or embarrass the student, such as being forced to wear degrading clothing, being yelled at or insulted, being forced to do something that goes against the student’s beliefs or values, and more.
• Sexual hazing: Hazing can also involve sexual acts or activities. This is considered to be a criminal offense and can include acts of sexual assault, rape, and other non-consensual sexual acts. It is important to note that, in California, hazing is illegal even if the victim consented to the initiation activities.

California’s Anti-Hazing Laws

California has strict laws in place to prevent hazing and punish those who engage in this behavior. Under California Penal Code §245.6, hazing is a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you could face up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

However, if the hazing activities result in serious bodily injury or death to the victim, the offense is a wobbler. This means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. If charged as a felony, you could face up to three years in jail in addition to the fines.

In addition to criminal charges, students who engage in hazing can also face disciplinary action from their school. This can include expulsion from the school and other consequences that can negatively impact the student’s academic and professional future.

How to Defend Against Hazing Charges

Being charged with hazing is serious and can have far-reaching consequences. As such, it is important to understand how to defend against these types of charges. At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, we can help you understand your rights and options and develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

There are several defenses that may be available in hazing cases. It is important to work with an attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation and help you determine which defense strategy is most appropriate for your situation.

Some common defenses against hazing charges include:

• You did not participate in hazing: If you did not participate in the hazing activities, you should not be held responsible or liable for the consequences. If you are falsely accused, our attorneys can help you gather evidence to prove your innocence.
• There was no hazing: Some students may claim they were hazed when, in reality, they were not. In these situations, we can help you gather evidence to prove that the initiation activities were not hazing and that no one was harmed.
• You were not involved in the hazing activities: Even if you were present when the hazing occurred, you may not have been involved in the initiation activities. If you were not directly involved, you should not be held responsible for the consequences.
• You were not aware the activities constituted hazing: In some cases, students may not be aware that the initiation activities are considered hazing. If you can prove that you did not know the activities were hazing, you may be able to avoid criminal charges.

It is important to note that, in some cases, the victim may also be held partially responsible for the hazing. If the victim consented to the initiation activities, this may be used as a defense. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and determine the best defense strategy for your situation.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates?

Being charged with hazing is a serious matter that can have lifelong consequences. If you or your child has been accused of hazing, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the legal process.

At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, we understand how overwhelming these types of situations can be. We are here to provide the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need and the aggressive representation you deserve.

When you choose our firm, you get:

• Individualized attention: We are committed to providing every client with the one-on-one attention they deserve. You will work directly with a skilled attorney who will take the time to get to know you and understand your unique situation.
• Open and honest communication: We believe in the importance of open and honest communication. We will keep you informed about the status of your case and promptly respond to any questions or concerns you may have.
• Aggressive representation: We are not afraid to take on even the most complex cases. Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous criminal cases and are prepared to put our experience to work for you.
• Strong track record of success: We have a proven track record of success and have helped numerous clients achieve favorable outcomes in their cases. We know what it takes to win in the courtroom and are prepared to fight for you.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today

At The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates, we have extensive experience in criminal law and can provide the aggressive representation you need. We will work diligently to protect your rights and fight for your best interests every step of the way.

Call our office at (909) 658-7341 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our team.