Our College Hazing Defense Attorney Defends Students Accused of Hazing in New Jersey

Charles Z. Schalk is a New Jersey education attorney with the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle hazing cases. Hazing is a very serious matter—it can lead to serious penalties, potentially including expulsion. If you or your student was accused of hazing at a college, we are here to help. Contact our New Jersey hazing defense lawyer today at (908) 526-0707 for a fully confidential initial consultation. 

What is College Hazing?

College hazing is a serious matter. The College Hazing Network reports that 55 percent of students who have participated in organized clubs, teams, and organizations have experience hazing. Broadly speaking, hazing is defined as  initiation practices or initiation rituals that members of a group impose on newcomers to gain acceptance or membership. However, it has a very negative connotation because some of these practices/rituals are extremely dangerous. Some notable examples of college hazing include: 

  • Excessive Physical Training or Extreme Challenges: New members may be forced to engage in extreme physical exercises—such as push-ups, running long distances, or enduring sleep deprivation—that are beyond their physical capabilities. It can lead to exhaustion, serious injury, and other long-term health risks.
  • Forced Alcohol Consumption: Another form of hazing is requiring/encouraging new members to consume large amounts of alcohol within a short period as part of their initiation process. There is a real risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. 
  • Public Humiliation: New members may be made to perform embarrassing or degrading tasks—such as wearing humiliating costumes or being subjected to verbal abuse in front of others. Students may end up suffering serious adverse health effects. 
  • Social Isolation/Social Exclusion: A final example involves social isolation/social exclusion. New members may be isolated from friends and family or prevented from participating in normal activities unless they meet the demands of the group. 

Potential Penalties a College Student Can Face for Hazing

It is important to emphasize that hazing is a serious matter. A college student found to have engaged in hazing can face very serious consequences. The penalties will vary based on a number of different situation-specific factors. Some of the most common college hazing penalties include: 

  • Loss of Scholarships or Financial Aid: Engaging in hazing can lead to the revocation of scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial assistance.
  • Suspension: Students found guilty of hazing may face suspension. It could be for a semester, a year, or longer. Reinstatement may require completion of certain obligations. 
  • Expulsion: Even more serious, a college student may face permanent expulsion from their institution. Of course, that could disrupt their academic progress and future career. 
  • Criminal Charges: Some forms of hazing or a criminal offense. Depending on the nature of the hazing, students may face misdemeanor or felony charges. 

College Students Have the Right to Defend Themselves

A college student who has been accused of hazing is certainly not automatically guilty of hazing. A student has the right to defend himself or herself. The process for hazing punishment at colleges will vary somewhat from institution to institution. You need an attorney who can review the protocols of the college or university and develop the best plan of action to defend against hazing. 

How New Jersey Education Lawyer Charles Z. Schalk Can Help

Facing allegations of hazing as a college student is a very serious matter. Your ability to remain enrolled at the college or university could be at stake. It is imperative that you have a top attorney on your side. Charles Z. Schalk has deep experience as a College Hazing Defense lawyer in New Jersey. Our client testimonials and our case results tell the story. For example, New Jersey College Hazing Defense lawyer Schalk obtained more than $2 million in compensation for a graduate student who was wrongfully expelled by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Our firm is proactive. Among other things, our New Jersey college hazing defense attorney is prepared to: 

  • Hear your story and answer your legal questions about hazing; 
  • Investigate your case—gathering relevant evidence to raise a defense; 
  • Represent you in any interviews/negotiations with the college; and
  • Develop a personalized strategy to defend you against the hazing allegations. 

Contact Our Educational College Hazing Defense attorney in New Jersey Today

Charles Z. Schalk is a top rated New Jersey College Hazing Defense attorney with the skills and experience to protect the rights of students. If you or your child was accused of hazing, we are here to help. Give us a phone call at (908) 526-0707 or contact us online for a fully confidential consultation. We defend college students against hazing allegations throughout New Jersey.