Massachusetts enacted its anti-hazing laws in 1985. Its reach is not limited to initiation into fraternities and sororities and may cover other activities, such as social clubs and team sports. The legal definition of hazing is any conduct or method of initiation into a student organization which intentionally or recklessly endangers any student or person’s mental or physical health. It can take place on private, public property, on campus or off-campus.

The conduct includes whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, any brutal treatment, forced physical activity or making the victim consume food, liquor, beverages or other substances. It also includes conduct that subjects the victim to extreme mental stress, such as extended isolation or withdrawal of sleep or rest.

There are several signs of hazing. First, a particular group is selected for the ritual. Next, the hazing ends up in behavior that a person would not share with parents, coaches, faculty or athletic directors. Or, the activity is humiliating, demeaning, exhausting, is physically or emotionally uncomfortable or involves harassment or endangerment.

Criminal penalties include imprisonment up to one year, a fine up to $3,000 or both. In more serious cases, it can also result in other criminal charges, such as assault or manslaughter. Colleges may also impose a wide range of sanctions that include expulsion or removal from an athletic team or club. Fraternities, sororities or clubs may be suspended or lose their charters.

Police and campus officials may investigate alleged hazing violations. Colleges may also require teams and organizations to take steps to prevent this activity.

Hazing allegations often involve complicated facts and numerous participants, but should always be taken seriously. Accused students could face expulsion, criminal penalties and have a record that follows them in their career. Students accused of hazing or who is involved in an investigation will want to know their rights.

For those colleges that accept federal student aid, and many in the Boston area do, there are ways that these colleges are to handle crime allegations. The Clery Act ensures schools have safety policies and report crimes that occur on campus. Under this act, any crime that occurs on school grounds and within school-owned property is considered “on campus.” There are also other properties that are considered to be on campus, such as remote classrooms, buildings owned by campus groups and fraternity and sorority houses.

This would mean that any crime alleged on campus could be reported and it could happen off of campus, but on grounds of a sorority house or somewhere similar in which many wouldn’t consider “on campus.” This could have far-reaching ramifications if a person were to be accused and/or convicted of such crimes like sexual assault, murder, manslaughter, robberies, aggravated assaults, arson, car thefts, burglary and hate crimes. Schools that do not participate in federal financial aid need not adopt these policies, but they may adopt them or something similar anyway.

The Clery Act is just one legal issue that could impact those accused of college campus crimes. An accusation does not mean that a person is guilty of that crime, but it could easily damage a person’s reputation. A conviction will do more than that.

What many people don’t realize is that all college campuses have a sort of governing body. There are rules and regulations that are expected to be adhered to and respected. Failure to do this could cause a young person to face ramifications with the actual law or with their own college campus law. Accusations or determination from either governing body could negatively impact the rest of a young person’s life.

College students have been in the news recently related to their alleged activities on their college campuses. These issues have been hot-buttons in the press, especially with issues related to sexual assault and rape. However, college campuses can also take issue with a person’s alleged intoxication or a student’s academic integrity. Either way, if a college campus rules against a student, there could be multiple actions taken in terms of punishment.

The ideal situation for a student and the student’s parents is for the alleged college campus crime not to get to that point. Depending on a student’s situation, there could be many ways to strategize for a positive resolution.

However, you understand the importance of keeping a level head throughout the process to minimize the damage these accusations will do to your child’s future. For instance, in the short term, there may be limits on college financial aid. What can you do to help your child?

Choose representation wisely

Not all lawyers are created alike. For instance, some may have deep experience in campus disciplinary hearings while others do not. The same goes for other areas such as assault, OUI and drug distribution. Make sure your attorney has the necessary experience to defend clients such as your child.

As for public defenders, they are usually good and skilled people, but they juggle huge caseloads. Your child’s case deserves more attention. It may be worth going into some debt now to retain a private attorney. The cost could be cheaper than you might think.

Keep your distance from the particulars of the case

Your child’s lawyer has probably advised your child to not discuss the case with anyone. This is for good reasons. For example, words can get twisted around, and a misunderstanding could hurt your child later. You might be bursting at the seams to know the whys, hows and whens of your child’s case, but do not pressure your child to spill all.

There is also the fact that your child is probably angry, confused and hurt, whether guilty or innocent. Now is not the time to lambaste your child repeatedly for making stupid mistakes. Everyone’s focus needs to be on protecting your child. Learning from mistakes is a secondary focus that deserves to rise in importance after the resolution of the case.

It is important for you to stress to your teen that everything that seems like fun is not legal. Some of these actions may have serious ramifications that can follow teens for the rest of their lives. The immediate consequences often include expulsion from high school and disqualification from scholarships, financial aid and employment opportunities.

Teach your teen to consider the consequences

Young adults are under a lot of pressure from their friends. They may seem as if they are not listening when adults talk to them. They may also insist on doing things their way. Continue talking to them, leading by example and motivating them. Keep an eye on their behaviors and try to keep them from making additional mistakes that can further complicate their life.

A good defense can help protect their future

If your teen is currently facing criminal charges, it is not the end of the world. Now is not the time for panic. It is also not the time to procrastinate or ignore the potential consequences. Caution your teenager to watch his or her behavior and words, as well as limiting or forgoing social media activity in the days leading up to the trial. Depending on the type of offense your child is facing and the evidence, it may be possible to minimize the penalties he or she faces to reduce the impact on the future. You should also consider working with a juvenile criminal defense attorney.