Boston Hazing Defense Attorney

Understanding Criminal Charges of Hazing in Boston, MA

In 1985, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed legislation which both defined and outlawed the participation of hazing in educational settings. Although there are many scenarios in which hazing can take place, typically, it is found to be used as initiation into college fraternities and sororities. Massachusetts law 269.18, however, has a broader understanding of the term and defines it as the conduct in which students are initiated into an organization which uses methods that endanger either the physical or mental health of the inductee.

This could include anything from physical whipping to branding to extreme weather exposure to even the forced consumption of food, drink or alcohol. Hazing, however, does not only pertain to physical stress as mental stress can come into play in situations that relating to things such as isolation or an extended period of deprived sleep. In situations such as this, not only is the organizer of the hazing at risk of being criminally charged, but also those who participate in the hazing.

Defending College Students Against Hazing Charges

Boston can be known as a melting pot of colleges and students of all sizes and shapes can be found at places of higher education. From two-year-colleges to four-year universities, with anything from law schools to schools for the art thrown into the mix, Boston has it all to provide for college students.  Students in the area can be found at anywhere from Harvard University to the New England Conservatory of Music to even Boston University

Regardless, however, of the exact college itself, educational institutions throughout the area are cracking down on this crime in an attempt to protect the victims. If you are found to be criminally guilty of hazing, you will be facing penalties that can include monetary fine up to three thousand dollars as well as imprisonment in a house of correction for up to a year. These are not minor penalties and deserve to be treated as such. Beyond the criminal penalties, you could face steps taken by the education institution itself which could be severe - possibly even leading to you no longer being able to attend.

Have you recently been criminally charged with hazing?

With media attention increasing their focus on this type of crime, more and more student organizations are finding themselves in hot water. For this reason, following an accusation or a formal criminal charge, no time should be wasted in contacting a heavyweight criminal defense attorney that you can trust your rights. College crimes might not be as severe as a felony, but they can have a severe impact on the rest of your life.

At Boston Criminal Defense Group, we know the laws frontwards and backwards and will do everything possible to help protect the legal rights of our clients. As former prosecutors, we bring a unique perspective to our cases that allows us to constantly be working towards staying ahead of the 'other side.' Should you retain our legal representation, you can breathe easier knowing that we will go the distance in our efforts to protect your rights. No stone will be left unturned. So don't face the future alone. If you, or even if your child, are facing charges of this nature, secure our assistance and we will be there every step of the way to help you in this troubling time. Don't waste a moment - call us today and we will be there to help you defend your freedom.

To schedule your initial case consultation, contact a Boston hazing defense lawyer from our firm today.