Hazing

Hazing is a strictly forbidden and completely unacceptable practice throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Essentially, hazing involves the rough or dangerous initiation of new members into social groups, sororities, fraternities, and clubs. These incidents most frequently involve minors and students. Hazing events can happen both on school grounds and at off-campus locations, impacting educational facilities that serve students from grades seven all the way through grade 12. By definition, hazing involves pressuring, coercing, or forcing minors to participate in activities that could threaten their physical safety or emotional mental health, which can lead to devastating results.

Both specific individuals and entire organizations can be held legally responsible if they are found to have supported or allowed hazing to happen. If you are currently dealing with these difficult legal issues—perhaps as a parent of a child accused of hazing, or as an adult facing claims of institutional or organizational misconduct—we strongly advise you to get help from the Logue Law Group. Our experienced team includes a Philadelphia federal attorney who knows how to build a defense to protect your future.

Take action immediately to resolve this by setting up a free initial meeting with our trusted Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer. You can reach the Logue Law Group online or by calling 844.PITT.DUI. 

Pennsylvania Hazing Law

After a tragic hazing incident occurred at Penn State in 2017, the laws in Pennsylvania regarding hazing were updated to include much harsher penalties.

Under current law, hazing is explicitly defined as the act of forcing or coercing a minor or student to participate in any of the following types of conduct:

• Breaking federal or state laws
• Ingesting any substance—including alcohol, drugs, liquids, or food—that creates a risk of physical or emotional injury
• Suffering through any variety of sexual, mental, or physical abuse
• Enduring any other activity that carries a high likelihood of causing bodily injury

Common examples of hazing behavior can include a wide variety of activities, such as:

• Forced consumption of drugs or alcohol, leading to severe intoxication
• Forcing someone to consume excessive water (water intoxication)
• Total or partial nudity
• Physical assaults, such as whipping or paddling
• Severe verbal abuse, such as aggressive name-calling
• Preventing the victim from sleeping (sleep deprivation)
• Being forced to wear humiliating or embarrassing clothing
• Performing meaningless or degrading chores and tasks

It is vital to understand that hazing can range widely in severity, from minor actions to extreme violence or harassment. If you are facing scrutiny, a Philadelphia federal attorney can help clarify these distinctions.

Hazing can lead to several different types of charges based on how severe the incident was:

• Summary offense: This level of offense is usually punished with a fine.
• Misdemeanor of the third degree: If the hazing incident resulted in a risk of bodily injury or caused actual harm, the punishment can include a jail sentence ranging from six months to one year, along with a fine of up to $2,500.
• Third-degree felony: This applies to “Aggravated hazing” that results in death or serious bodily injury. It is punishable by a prison term of up to seven years and a fine reaching $15,000.
• Organizational hazing: Charges against a group can lead to fines up to $5,000 for every proven instance of hazing. If the hazing is considered aggravated, those fines can jump to $15,000.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We recognize how serious these penalties can be and how important it is to have a robust legal defense strategy. Attorney Sean Logue is a committed and highly skilled Philadelphia federal attorney who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and aim for the best possible result. Get in touch with us right away to book your free consultation. 

Call 844.PITT.DUI or contact us online to start building your case with our team.