College is a time to explore new passions, meet lifelong friends, and shape your future—whether it's through joining a club, excelling in your studies, or landing an internship. But one bad decision can wreck everything. Schools and police crack down hard, often before the truth even comes out.
Hazing encompasses activities “expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person's willingness to participate.” Hazing accusations can create a dark cloud over your life, making it feel like you have no options and no one to lean on.
The LLF Law Firm is nationally known, respected, and trusted for criminal defense. Whether it's hazing, assault and battery, manslaughter, or something else, we know how to challenge the charges with experience, strategy, and determination. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team exposes weaknesses in the prosecution's case and turns the tables.
The Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act: A New Approach
On December 23, 2024, former President Joe Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act into law. This legislation requires colleges and universities to:
- Report hazing incidents in their Annual Security Reports
- Establish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report and
- Disclose information about their anti-hazing initiatives and prevention strategies.
The law is supposed to stop hazing, but it might end up causing some issues for those accused:
- Guilty Until Proven Innocent: The law could make it easier for people to believe hazing accusations right away, leaving the accused to prove they didn't do anything wrong.
- Rush to Judgment: If schools speed up the process or go for a "zero tolerance" rule, it could make it way harder for students to defend themselves.
- False Accusations: With everyone focusing on punishing hazing, people might make up accusations, and the accused could face consequences—even if there's no proof.
- Reputation Damage: The law's focus on heavy penalties could lead to instant social and academic consequences for the accused, ruining their reputation before they even get a fair chance to explain themselves.
- Pressure on Schools: To meet the law's demands, universities might slap on harsh punishments without investigating everything first, which means the accused could be left at a serious disadvantage.
In the rush to protect students, the law could sacrifice fairness, making it harder for the accused to receive a proper, impartial investigation.
Pennsylvania's Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know
After the 2017 fraternity-related hazing death of a Penn State student, Pennsylvania enacted the "Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing Law" in 2018. Timothy Piazza was a sophomore who lost his life after a hazing incident at Beta Theta Pi. He was forced to drink way too much, fell, got seriously hurt, and was left alone for hours without help.
This law applies if someone makes a minor or student to do any of the following:
- Violate Federal or State criminal law.
- Consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substance which subjects them to the risk of emotional or physical harm.
- Endure physical brutality, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, or exposure to the elements.
- Endure mental brutality, including sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, or any conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.
- Endure brutality of a sexual nature.
- Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or student.
Aggravated hazing—hazing resulting in serious bodily injury or death—is now a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The Snowball Effect of Poor Decisions
The teenage brain is still under construction—especially the prefrontal cortex, which controls judgment, self-control, and emotions. That's why it can be tough to resist peer pressure, think ahead, or manage impulses.
This is one scenario: As the semester begins, the frat house pulses with energy. Music blares, drinks pour, and pledges file in—nervous but determined. You're an experienced member, and one pledge—a shy freshman—catches your attention.
His challenge? A simple drinking test. A few shots to prove himself. He hesitates. You push. The group cheers. He gives in. Shot after shot, the pressure wins.
He sways, face flushed, words slurring. The laughter continues. No one stops. He stumbles and struggles, but the game doesn't end. The fun rolls on, drowning out the warning signs.
By morning, he's found outside. Unconscious. Silent.
What started as a tradition is now a nightmare. You never meant to hurt anyone. But now, it's gone too far, and the damage is worse than you ever imagined.
Why a Criminal Defense Firm with Campus Experience is Crucial
The LLF Law Firm practices both criminal defense and national student defense, making us a unique choice for students facing serious charges like hazing. Criminal charges, school discipline, or both? We fight from every angle for the best result.
We make sure the campus hearing doesn't unfairly affect your criminal case, offering a defense that covers all angles.
Hazing Rules and Procedures at Penn State Main Campus
At Penn State University Park, the largest campus, students enjoy academics, activities, and recreation in a classic college town. Back in 2020, the Department of Education determined that Penn State failed to provide “prompt and equitable” reporting and investigation processes for multiple years of sexual misconduct complaints.
But has Penn State now overcompensated? That's a very real possibility.
Kudos to Penn State for having a Respondent Resources page and an Office of Respondent Support. In theory, anyway, they are trying to continue to be fair. The Office's materials state that it helps the accused to:
- Understand what to expect in a transparent, open manner
- Engage with academic accommodations and University resources that can support you
- Connect with community resources that may have no ties to Penn State
- Develop self-supporting strategies to help you pursue other goals
- Explain the responsibilities and options that you have while going through the process and
- Support you as you choose a response in keeping with your best interest
It's only too bad that this is an exception and not the norm for colleges and universities. After all, there are two sides to every story.
What If Someone Falsely Accuses You of Hazing?
College can stir up personal grudges, and sometimes, a student will make up or exaggerate a hazing story to hurt someone. False accusations have consequences, though—universities can suspend students, and the law might come down even harder—charging a fabricator with false incrimination, a serious offense.
False hazing accusations? Don't ignore it. The system works quickly, and your future is at risk.
Immediately Ask for an Attorney
What is an important thing criminal defense lawyers wish college students knew? If the police begin to ask questions, do not talk to them—even to say you're innocent. Immediately ask for an attorney. Do not consent to any type of search.
Let's break down your Miranda Rights before we go any further:
- You have the right to stay silent.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
- You have the right to talk to a lawyer before speaking to the police, and to have one with you during questioning.
- If you can't afford a lawyer, one will be provided to you before any questioning, if you want one.
- If you choose to answer questions without a lawyer, you can stop at any time and ask for one.
Again, what is a crucial thing criminal defense lawyers wish college students understood? If the cops show up, zip it. Don't try to talk your way out; don't explain yourself—just ask for a lawyer. Anything you say can and will be used against you. The police may act friendly, but it's a trap. No matter how convincing they seem, your answer is simple: “I want my lawyer.”
What If You've Already Said Too Much?
Ok, so maybe you (or your kid) talked to the cops, gave consent, or even said something that could be used against you. Don't panic—it's not over. We've seen this before, and we know how to fight back. The prosecution has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and we're here to find the cracks in their story. Whether it's dropping charges, making a deal, or taking it to court, we'll stand by your side.
A Clean Slate Today Means a Brighter Future
A single misstep—or wrongful accusation—can stick with your child for life. That one mark can stop them from transferring or landing a great job. We focus on the bigger picture, helping them stay on course and achieve their dreams.
Protect What Matters: Call the LLF Law Firm Now
Universities leave you clueless about your rights, and the criminal justice system is difficult to navigate. But we'll be your partner in navigating it—fighting for your family, keeping you steady, and making sure you're not alone. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team hits back hard.
