Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

California Hazing Laws, Punishments, and Potential Defense Options

Hazing is often a lighthearted event – or at least that’s how it starts out. Depending on the school you attend and how serious the hazing was, you could be facing discipline from your school and criminal charges. Law Office of Michael L. Fell can help with both. Read on to learn about legal consequences and then contact us at (949) 585-9055 for a free case evaluation.

Hazing is a wobbler offense and comes with several punishment possibilities

Hazing can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, which makes it a wobbler offense. If it doesn’t result in serious bodily injury then it’s likely going to be charged as a misdemeanor. The punishment could include fines of at least $100 but up to $5,000, or up to one year in jail, or both. If someone was killed or seriously injured during a hazing ritual, then anyone who took part in the hazing can be charged with a felony. The punishment could be up to three years in prison.

Civil lawsuits are possible

Hazing victims and their family can also bring civil lawsuits in which they seek damages for their hazing. These lawsuits can be brought against an organization or an individual who took part in the hazing. Those who are convicted of criminal charges should consider that it’s likely they’re also going to be facing a civil lawsuit at some point.

Your school will likely take its own action

If you’re a college student then hazing is likely against your student code of conduct. The consequences for this can include expulsion from school. The good news is that Law Office of Michael L. Fell has experience working with students as they face their school’s disciplinary boards. We can prepare you for the process and in some cases may be able to be present as well.

There are legal defense to hazing

There are a number of potential legal defenses to a charge of hazing. First, we’ll look at whether the hazing took place as part of an initiation to a student group. If the person who was supposedly hazed was actually already a part of that group, then it’s not legally hazing.

If the hazing wasn’t likely to result in seriously bodily injury then it may not be true hazing either – even if someone did end up getting hurt. It may be that their injury wasn’t serious or that it was an extremely unlikely outcome to the event that the supposed perpetrators couldn’t have anticipated. Finally, we’ll look at whether the alleged hazing took place at an event that was sanctioned by the school. If so, then it’s possible you could face a civil lawsuit but it’s not criminal hazing.

Get a free case evaluation to find out more about your options

Today is the day to get help from an experienced hazing criminal defense attorney. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we are here to help you move forward with the minimum results from law enforcement and your school. Call us today at (949) 585-9055 for your free case evaluation to find out what your options are.