While many people think that Hazing is just reported to school administrators or campus officials and handled within the educational institution, in Castle Rock and Douglas County, Hazing is actually a crime. A woman recently detailed the Hazing that her daughter faced while attempting to become a part of a sorority. According to the report, the girl claimed she was taken into a dark room, hit with a wooden paddle and forced to eat rotten food. She was a legacy, meaning her mother had been in the same sorority when she was in college and she wanted to have that experience as well. Officials have not decided whether criminal charges will be filed or not, as victims are not being overly cooperative with the case, but the university has taken some disciplinary actions against the sorority and some of the sisters. If this had occurred in Colorado, there would likely be criminal charges filed.

Douglas County Hazing Lawyer: Definition

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Hazing – C.R.S. 18-9-124 – is:

“

Hazing means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that it does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States.

(b) "Hazing" includes but is not limited to:

(I) Forced and prolonged physical activity;

(II) Forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication or controlled substance, whether or not prescribed, in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption or forced consumption of any substance not generally intended for human consumption;

(III) Prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink.”

Because the girl claimed she was forced to eat rotten food, not intended for human consumption, this crime would apply. The sorority could also face Assault charges for hitting the pledges with wood paddles.

Sentence for Hazing in Highlands Ranch and Parker

In Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker, Hazing is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in the Douglas County Jail and $750 in fines. Likely, a suspension or expulsion from school will ensue after a criminal investigation or conviction comes into play.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Hazing, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.

Image Source: Pixabay-musingvitality