Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the nation's premier private research universities, with a strong focus on engineering, science, and innovation. With its competitive academic programs and active student organizations, Stevens draws ambitious students from across the country and around the world. Students at Stevens are often referred to as "Ducks," a reference to the school's mascot, Attila the Duck.
Campus life is rigorous, but rich in tradition and community spirit. Greek life, engineering clubs, hackathons, and late-night gatherings with a coffee at the Babbio Center or around Palmer Lawn are central to student bonding. Yet, it's in these high-pressure, high-expectation environments that hazing sometimes occurs — often disguised as tradition, rite of passage, or "team-building."
The Division of Student Affairs and Title IX Programs, along with the Stevens Honor Board, are the main bodies responsible for investigating hazing and other conduct violations. In cases that involve injury or criminal behavior, the Stevens Campus Police may also be involved, and referrals to the Hoboken Police Department are not uncommon.
While the administration at Stevens has made strides in promoting a healthy, respectful student culture, incidents of hazing occasionally surface, especially within student groups where initiation traditions persist. When these traditions cross the line into criminal conduct, students may face serious legal consequences. For those accused of hazing at Stevens, the stakes are high: criminal charges, school disciplinary proceedings, and long-term impacts on education and career. If you're a Stevens Institute of Technology student facing hazing-related charges, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to learn about your options.
The Lento Law Firm is uniquely positioned to assist in these situations. We offer a combination of strength in criminal defense and student disciplinary defense, providing comprehensive representation that addresses both the courtroom and the campus. This integrated approach makes us a powerful ally for Stevens Institute of Technology students and their families.
What is Hazing Under New Jersey Law?
New Jersey has some of the nation's most stringent anti-hazing laws. Under those laws, hazing is defined as an act that:
"Recklessly or knowingly causes, or attempts to cause, bodily injury to another person in connection with initiation into or affiliation with a student or fraternal organization."
The statute applies whether the person consented to the act or not. This means that even if a student agrees to participate in an initiation ritual, the individual(s) responsible for the act can still face criminal prosecution.
New Jersey classifies hazing offenses in the following categories:
- Disorderly Persons Offense: Hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury. This can result in up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Third-Degree Crime: Hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.
- Fourth-Degree Crime: Hazing that results in serious bodily injury. Conviction can lead to up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Additionally, consequences can include a permanent criminal record, loss of scholarships, and academic suspension or expulsion, among others.
The Federal Law: The Stop Campus Hazing Act
In 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act became the first federal law to directly address hazing in higher education. This legislation requires schools to:
- Report hazing incidents publicly.
- Develop anti-hazing education programs.
- Maintain transparency on student organization violations.
While it does not create new federal crimes, the Act pressures universities to be more proactive in identifying and punishing hazing. At Stevens, this translates to more rigorous investigations, swifter disciplinary actions, and a higher likelihood that cases will be referred to law enforcement.
For accused students, this means more scrutiny, less leniency, and an urgent need for a comprehensive legal defense that includes both criminal defense and student conduct representation.
Consequences of a Criminal Hazing Charge at Stevens
If you or your child is facing hazing allegations at Stevens Institute of Technology, the fallout can touch every aspect of academic and personal life. You may be facing:
- Criminal Charges: Arrest, indictment, trial, and potential conviction.
- University Discipline: Interim suspensions, permanent expulsions, and transcript notations.
- Reputational Harm: Campus-wide exposure, media coverage, and future background checks.
- Loss of Opportunities: Scholarship termination, graduate school rejection, and job disqualification.
Even if the conduct occurred off-campus or seemed "normal" within a club or Greek setting, Stevens Institute of Technology maintains jurisdiction under its Code of Student Conduct. The university can and does discipline students for off-campus acts, especially if the event is tied to a recognized organization.
Criminal Charges and Disciplinary Proceedings
When hazing allegations arise at Stevens, students can typically face two separate but simultaneous tracks of adjudication:
- Criminal Charges in New Jersey Superior Court or Hoboken Municipal Court
- University Disciplinary Hearings through the Stevens Institute of Technology Code of Conduct
This dual-track process can be overwhelming and confusing. Each system has its own rules, procedures, and potential penalties. What a student says in one process can be used against them in the other. That's why having a defense team that understands both systems is not just helpful—it's essential.
The Lento Law Firm stands out because we don't just handle one side of the problem. We defend students at every stage:
- Pre-charge investigations
- Police interviews
- Detention hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Trial preparation and defense
- Appeals and post-disciplinary actions
We ensure that your legal defense and academic defense work in concert to protect your future.
What to Do if You or Your Child Is Accused of Hazing
Receiving notice of a hazing accusation can be frightening. Whether it comes from law enforcement or Stevens' administration, time is of the essence. Here's what you should do:
- Do Not Speak to Police or Campus Authorities Without an Attorney: Statements made in the heat of the moment can significantly damage your case.
- Retain Legal Counsel Immediately: You need a lawyer who understands not only the criminal implications but also how Stevens handles student conduct issues.
- Preserve Evidence: Save texts, emails, videos, and social media posts that may be relevant to your defense.
- Stay Off Social Media: Anything posted can be used against you in court or disciplinary proceedings.
Common Hazing Allegations at Stevens
Allegations may include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical punishment (e.g., paddling, forced physical exertion)
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced servitude
- Public humiliation
- Exposure to dangerous situations
Even if no one was seriously injured, these actions can be interpreted as hazing under New Jersey law.
Potential Defenses to Hazing Charges
Each hazing case is unique, and so is every legal defense. Our law firm understands how to assess the full picture, including student culture, peer dynamics, university politics, and gaps in the government's evidence.
Potential defenses include:
- Lack of Criminal Intent: Many hazing acts involve poor judgment, not criminal malice. We explore whether your actions were misinterpreted and whether they rise to the legal definition of criminal recklessness or intent.
- No Injury or Risk: New Jersey law requires bodily injury or substantial risk in felony hazing. We push back on exaggerated claims and unsubstantiated narratives.
- Procedural Violations: From Miranda rights to illegal searches, we analyze whether your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest.
- Due Process Failures by the School: If Stevens failed to follow fair procedures, such as providing notice, impartial hearings, or access to counsel, we use that to challenge university discipline.
- Targeted or Retaliatory Reporting: Not all hazing reports are made in good faith. Sometimes allegations stem from personal disputes, grudges, or attempts to dodge responsibility.
In disciplinary proceedings, the standard of proof is typically "preponderance of the evidence", which is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in criminal court. Strategic defense must account for both standards.
Why Our Firm Is the Best Choice for Hazing Defense at Stevens
While most firms handle either criminal defense or student disciplinary matters, the Lento Law Firm offers a unique advantage as we handle both areas. This dual competency allows us to:
- Craft defenses that do not jeopardize either front
- Coordinate strategy across criminal and campus procedures
- Mitigate long-term educational and professional fallout
We have represented students at top universities in New Jersey and beyond. Our deep familiarity with Stevens Institute of Technology's Code of Student Conduct, combined with courtroom trial experience, makes us the stand-out choice for families facing this complex and stressful situation.
Whether you are a parent seeking the best defense for your child or a student confronting overwhelming allegations, our team offers:
- Decades of criminal defense experience
- Skilled representation in campus hearings
- Strategic, discreet handling of sensitive allegations
- A client-centered approach focused on long-term outcomes
The Consequences of Inaction
Ignoring hazing charges or attempting to handle them without proper legal counsel can be devastating. Students may face:
- Convictions that affect future employment
- Loss of graduate school opportunities
- Suspension or permanent dismissal from Stevens
- Public records of conduct violations
Even cases that start with "just a warning" or university discipline can snowball into criminal charges if not handled correctly. An accusation today can become a criminal conviction tomorrow. Early intervention is critical.
Contact the Lento Law Firm Today
If you or your child has been accused of hazing at Stevens Institute of Technology, don't wait. The legal and academic systems move quickly, and the right representation can make all the difference. Our firm's combined experience in criminal law and student discipline defense offers a one-stop, coordinated strategy to protect your rights, reputation, and future.
If you're facing hazing charges at Stevens Institute of Technology or any other school in the state, call the Lento Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or contact us online. We can help you protect your future.
