Hazing

Hazing is a reprehensible and prohibited practice within the state of Pennsylvania. It entails the initiation of new members into fraternities, sororities, clubs, and social groups, predominantly involving students and minors. This act can transpire both on and off-campus, affecting educational institutions catering to students from grades seven through 12. Hazing entails the coercion, instigation, or forceful involvement of minors in activities that could jeopardize their emotional and physical well-being, potentially resulting in severe consequences.

Hazing holds individuals accountable, as well as organizations that knowingly endorse or facilitate its occurrence. If you find yourself navigating these legal challenges as a parent of a minor accused of hazing or as an adult facing allegations of organizational or institutional hazing, we urge you to seek the expertise of the Logue Law Group. Our highly skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer possesses extensive experience in designing effective legal strategies aimed at safeguarding your freedom and future.

Take the first step towards a resolution by arranging a complimentary initial consultation with our reliable Pittsburgh hazing defense attorney. Contact Logue Law Group online or at 844.PITT.DUI.

Pennsylvania Hazing Law

Following a hazing-related tragedy at Penn State in 2017, Pennsylvania’s hazing law underwent changes, with increased penalties.

The law explicitly defines hazing as the act of coercing or forcing a student or minor to engage in the following behaviors:

• Violating state or federal law
• Consuming substances, whether food, liquids, alcohol, or drugs, that may result in emotional or physical harm
• Enduring any form of physical, mental, or sexual abuse
• Sustaining any other action that may likely lead to bodily injury

Examples of hazing can encompass a range of activities, such as:

• Compelled alcohol or drug consumption, resulting in intoxication
• Engaging in water intoxication
• Partial or total nudity
• Paddling, whipping, or other forms of physical assault
• Verbal abuse, including name-calling
• Sleep deprivation
• Being subjected to wearing humiliating attire
• Undertaking degrading or meaningless tasks

It is crucial to recognize that hazing can manifest in various degrees of severity, from subtle forms to more extreme instances of harassment or violence.

Hazing can result in various charges, depending on the severity of the offense:

• Summary offense: This offense is punishable by a fine.
• Misdemeanor of the third degree: If the hazing offense caused or posed a risk of bodily harm, it is punishable by jail time of six months to a year and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Third-degree felony: Aggravated hazing resulting in serious bodily harm or death is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Organizational hazing charges can lead to fines of up to $5,000 per proven instance of hazing. If the hazing was aggravated, the fines can be increased to $15,000.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We understand the seriousness of these potential penalties and the need for a strong legal defense. Attorney Sean Logue is a highly skilled and dedicated professional who will vigorously protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Call 844.PITT.DUI or reach out to us online to begin working on your case with us.