The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws, Liability & Legal Options for Families in Chilton County, Alabama

If Your Child Was Hazed at an Alabama University, You Have Rights

For parents in Chilton County, the moment your child leaves for college is filled with pride and hope. You envision them making friends, joining campus organizations, and building a bright future. But for some families in Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, and surrounding communities, that dream turns into a nightmare when they receive a call that their child has been hospitalized, traumatized, or worse—because of hazing.

Right now, families across America are facing this reality. At this moment, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. In that case, detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, a pledge suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring forced overeating, extreme workouts, and humiliation including a mandatory “pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm continues.

While this case is unfolding in Texas, the same national fraternities and sororities operate at Alabama universities where Chilton County students enroll. The same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, and the same life-altering consequences can happen here. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, Alabama’s legal framework, and what options Chilton County families have when the unthinkable happens.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents in Chilton County remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals” from decades past. Today’s hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that institutions have failed to stop, despite countless tragedies and new laws.

What Constitutes Hazing Today?

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance between established members and new recruits.

Modern Hazing Categories Affecting Alabama Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “family tree”)
• Chugging challenges with hard liquor
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• Mandatory participation in drug use

Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, or physical assaults
• Extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation through mandatory overnight events
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Costumes or role-playing designed to shame
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media
• Forced confessions or personal humiliation

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Pressure to create compromising TikTok or Instagram content
• Public humiliation through shared photos or videos
• 24/7 accessibility demands with punishment for delayed responses

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in numerous campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC Programs
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is the toxic combination of social status, tradition, and secrecy that keeps dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Alabama Hazing Law & Legal Framework

Alabama has its own legal framework for addressing hazing, which operates alongside federal regulations that apply to all universities receiving federal funding.

Alabama’s Hazing Statute

Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing and establishes penalties:

Key Provisions:

• Hazing includes “any willful action taken or situation created” that endangers mental or physical health
• Applies to initiation into or affiliation with any student organization
• Consent is not a defense—a person’s willingness to participate does not make hazing legal
• Immunity for reporters: Individuals who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability

Penalties:

• Class C Misdemeanor for participation in hazing
• Class A Misdemeanor for organizational hazing (fines up to $6,000)
• Potential for felony charges if hazing results in serious physical injury

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (district attorney or prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: hazing, assault, battery, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families find that civil litigation provides the accountability and compensation that criminal proceedings cannot.

Federal Laws That Apply in Alabama

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Mandates strengthened hazing education and prevention programs
• Creates public hazing data reporting (phased implementation through 2026)

Title IX

• Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility
• Requires universities to investigate and respond appropriately
• Can provide additional legal avenues for victims

Clery Act

• Requires reporting of certain crimes on and around campus
• Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or sexual offenses

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Alabama Hazing Case?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or facilitated the hazing
• Members who supplied alcohol or drugs
• Individuals who participated in cover-ups

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity, sorority, or club itself (if incorporated)
• Chapter officers who knew or should have known about hazing
• Alumni advisors with oversight responsibility

National Fraternity/Sorority

• Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability arises from what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies or address patterns of misconduct

University or College

• May be sued for negligence or deliberate indifference
• Liability depends on prior knowledge, policy enforcement, and response
• Both public (University of Alabama, Auburn) and private (Samford, Birmingham-Southern) institutions can face liability

Third Parties

• Property owners of off-campus houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop laws
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, and experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Alabama Families

Understanding national patterns helps Chilton County families recognize that what happens at Alabama universities isn’t isolated—it’s part of a nationwide crisis with established legal precedents.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

• Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• Hours delayed before calling for medical help
• Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game with penalties for wrong answers
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Result: Felony hazing convictions, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, $6.1 million civil verdict

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million total settlements, chapter president personally liable for $6.5 million

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

• Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
• Suffered fatal head injuries after repeated tackles
• Help deliberately delayed for hours
• Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Takeaway: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Alabama Families

The patterns are consistent nationwide: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups. When Chilton County students face hazing at University of Alabama, Auburn, or other state schools, they’re experiencing variations of the same scripts that have caused deaths and catastrophic injuries elsewhere. These national precedents create legal pathways for Alabama families seeking accountability.

Hazing at Alabama Universities: What Chilton County Families Need to Know

Alabama has a deep-rooted college culture with particularly strong Greek life traditions. For students from Chilton County attending state universities, understanding the specific landscape is crucial.

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)

Campus Culture & Greek Life

• One of the nation’s largest Greek systems with over 11,000 members
• Historically strong fraternity and sorority presence with significant social influence
• Multiple Greek housing districts near campus

Recent Hazing Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple investigations for alcohol-related hazing
• Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji): Suspensions for policy violations
• University maintains public hazing violation reports with sanctions including probation, suspension, and chapter closures

Reporting Channels for UA Families

• Office of Student Conduct: (205) 348-8234
• UA Police Department: (205) 348-5454
• Anonymous reporting through UA’s hazing hotline

Legal Jurisdiction Considerations

• Incidents may involve Tuscaloosa Police Department or UA Police
• Civil cases typically filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
• University trustees and administrators may be named in lawsuits

Auburn University

Campus Culture & Greek Life

• Significant Greek presence with historical traditions
• Active fraternity and sorority community with university recognition
• Mix of on-campus and off-campus Greek housing

Recent Hazing Concerns

• Interfraternity Council organizations: Periodic investigations for alcohol violations and inappropriate activities
• Athletic teams: Internal investigations into team initiation practices
• Auburn’s Office of Student Conduct maintains disciplinary records

Reporting Options

• Auburn University Police Division: (334) 844-8888
• Office of Student Conduct: (334) 844-1302
• Online reporting forms available

Practical Guidance for Auburn Families

• Document all communications with university officials
• Request prior disciplinary records for the involved organization
• Understand that off-campus events still fall under university jurisdiction if officially recognized organizations are involved

Other Alabama Universities with Greek Life

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

• Growing Greek community with commuter-oriented campus
• Office of Student Advocacy, Rights, and Conduct handles hazing reports
• Partnerships with Birmingham Police Department for off-campus incidents

University of South Alabama (Mobile)

• Active Greek organizations with university oversight
• Dean of Students office coordinates hazing investigations
• Mobile Police Department jurisdiction for off-campus locations

Troy University

• Smaller Greek system with traditional Southern culture
• Student Services division manages conduct violations
• Local law enforcement cooperation in Pike County

Special Considerations for Alabama’s College Sports Culture

Alabama’s passionate college sports environment creates unique dynamics:

Athletic Team Hazing Risks

• Football, basketball, and other sports teams with intense camaraderie cultures
• “Rookie” traditions that can cross into hazing territory
• Pressure to maintain team secrecy about internal practices

Spirit Organization Concerns

• Cheerleading squads, dance teams, and mascot programs with initiation rituals
• Blurred lines between team bonding and hazing
• Institutional reluctance to investigate popular spirit groups

Band and Performance Group Issues

• Marching bands with hierarchical structures
• Music fraternities and sororities with tradition-heavy cultures
• Performance anxiety exploited through hazing practices

National Fraternities & Sororities Operating in Alabama

The same national organizations involved in high-profile cases nationwide have chapters at Alabama universities. Their histories matter because patterns of misconduct establish foreseeability—what the national organization knew or should have known about risks.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz fatal hazing (Bowling Green), multiple other deaths and injuries
• Alabama Presence: Active chapters at University of Alabama, Auburn, others
• Pattern: Alcohol-focused hazing during “Big/Little” events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Alabama Presence: Chapters throughout Alabama university system
• Pattern: Physical abuse combined with alcohol hazing

Phi Delta Theta

• National History: Max Gruver fatal hazing (LSU), multiple other incidents
• Alabama Presence: Active at several Alabama campuses
• Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

Kappa Alpha Order

• National History: Multiple suspensions for paddling and alcohol hazing
• Alabama Presence: Traditional Southern fraternity with Alabama chapters
• Pattern: Physical punishment combined with historical tradition rhetoric

Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji)

• National History: Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury case (Missouri), multiple other incidents
• Alabama Presence: Active chapters in Alabama
• Pattern: Extreme alcohol consumption during initiation events

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a national organization has documented hazing incidents at other chapters, it establishes:

Foreseeability

• The national knew or should have known similar conduct could occur at Alabama chapters
• Prior incidents put the organization on notice about specific risks

Pattern Evidence

• Similar methods used across different chapters suggest organizational culture problems
• Courts may consider whether nationals meaningfully addressed known patterns

Punitive Damage Potential

• Repeated failures to address known dangers may support punitive damages
• Demonstrates conscious indifference to student safety

Insurance Coverage Implications

• Insurers may argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct”
• Pattern evidence helps establish negligence separate from intentional acts

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Successful hazing cases require meticulous investigation, strategic legal analysis, and thorough damages assessment. Here’s what Chilton County families should understand about the process.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups: Primary planning and coordination channels
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
• Social media content: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos documenting events
• Location data: GPS and timestamp information from messages and photos

Photographic & Video Evidence

• Content filmed by participants during hazing events
• Security camera footage from houses, dorms, or commercial venues
• Ring/doorbell camera recordings capturing arrivals/departures
• Important: Even “joking” or “celebratory” videos can provide crucial evidence

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Membership rosters and officer contact information
• National risk management policies and training materials
• Communications between local chapters and national headquarters

University Records

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization
• Incident reports filed with campus police or conduct offices
• Communications between administrators about the organization
• Clery Act reports and annual security disclosures

Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records and hospitalization reports
• Toxicology screens and blood alcohol content results
• Psychological evaluations documenting trauma, PTSD, anxiety
• Long-term treatment plans for ongoing conditions

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced similar treatment
• Former members who left the organization due to concerns
• Roommates, friends, or bystanders who observed effects
• Medical professionals who treated injuries

Comprehensive Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment
• Future medical needs: Long-term therapy, medications, adaptive equipment
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarship value
• Diminished earning capacity: Reduced future income due to permanent injuries or trauma

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages

• Awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct
• Requires evidence of reckless indifference or intentional harm
• Amounts vary based on defendant’s conduct and financial circumstances

Strategic Considerations for Alabama Cases

Jurisdiction Analysis

• Determining whether to file in state or federal court
• Assessing proper venue based on where events occurred
• Considering removal possibilities if defendants are from different states

Defendant Identification

• All potentially liable parties: individuals, local chapters, nationals, universities, third parties
• Insurance coverage investigation for each defendant
• Strategic decisions about whom to include in initial filing

Timing and Limitations

• Alabama’s statute of limitations for personal injury: 2 years from date of injury
• Discovery rule may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• Urgent: Evidence preservation must begin immediately

Practical Guides for Chilton County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal academic stress
• Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Constant preoccupation with phone/group chat responses
• Financial drains from unexpected “fines,” purchases, or alcohol expenses
• Defensiveness when asked about organizational activities
• Academic performance decline coinciding with pledging period

How to Approach the Conversation

• Choose a private, calm setting without distractions
• Use open-ended questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
• Express concern without accusation: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately”
• Emphasize safety over loyalty: “My main concern is your wellbeing”
• Listen without interrupting if they begin to share

Immediate Steps If Hazing Is Confirmed

1. Prioritize medical care for any injuries or intoxication
2. Document everything your child tells you (names, dates, locations, specifics)
3. Preserve digital evidence before it disappears
4. Contact an attorney before confronting the organization or university
5. Follow medical advice for both physical and psychological care

For Students: Understanding Your Rights & Options

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions

• Do I feel pressured, coerced, or afraid to refuse?
• Would I participate if there were no social consequences for opting out?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my family?

Safe Exit Strategies

• Medical emergencies: Call 911 immediately—Alabama’s good faith reporting laws provide protections
• Leaving the organization: Send written resignation to chapter president and university
• Safety planning: Have a trusted friend check in regularly during high-risk periods
• Documentation: Screenshot everything before making any decisions

Reporting Options in Alabama

• University conduct offices (varies by campus)
• Campus police departments
• Local law enforcement for criminal conduct
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
• Alabama State Board of Education (for public universities)

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• Mistake: Letting your child “clean up” embarrassing messages or photos
• Consequences: Looks like evidence destruction, undermines credibility, loses crucial proof
• Better approach: Preserve everything—even embarrassing content strengthens your case

2. Premature Confrontation

• Mistake: Directly confronting the fraternity/sorority before consulting an attorney
• Consequences: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defensive preparation
• Better approach: Document quietly, then let your attorney manage communications

3. Signing University Agreements

• Mistake: Accepting early settlement offers or signing internal resolution forms
• Consequences: May waive legal rights, accept inadequate compensation, limit future options
• Better approach: Have all documents reviewed by counsel before signing anything

4. Social Media Disclosure

• Mistake: Posting details about the incident on Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms
• Consequences: Creates inconsistencies, waives privacy expectations, provides defense material
• Better approach: Keep discussions private and let your attorney control public messaging

5. Delaying Legal Consultation

• Mistake: Waiting to “see how the university handles it” before contacting an attorney
• Consequences: Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, limitations periods run
• Better approach: Consult an attorney within 48 hours to preserve all options

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need lawyers who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Texas headquarters, we serve families nationwide, including those in Chilton County and throughout Alabama, bringing unique capabilities to hazing litigation.

Our Nationally Relevant Hazing Expertise

Active High-Stakes Litigation Experience
Right now, we’re leading one of the country’s most significant hazing cases: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This active litigation means we’re currently navigating the exact challenges Alabama families face—fighting national fraternities, university legal teams, and insurance companies. We’re not theorizing about hazing cases; we’re in court fighting them.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as a defense attorney at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. As he explains in his bio at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/, this insider knowledge is invaluable when insurers try to deny or minimize hazing claims. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Background
Attorney Ralph Manginello’s experience includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal resources. That same capability applies directly to hazing cases against national fraternities and major universities. His complete background is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

How We Serve Alabama Families

Co-Counsel Arrangements
While we’re Texas-based, we regularly work with local Alabama counsel to provide comprehensive representation. This collaborative approach combines our national hazing expertise with local procedural knowledge and courtroom familiarity.

Consultation and Case Evaluation
We offer free consultations to Alabama families to evaluate hazing cases, explain legal options, and help determine the best path forward. Even if we don’t ultimately represent you, we provide honest assessment and strategic guidance.

Texas Connections Handling
If your Alabama case has Texas connections—such as a national fraternity headquartered in Texas, Texas-based insurance carriers, or incidents occurring partially in Texas—we may be able to serve as lead counsel while working with local Alabama attorneys as needed.

Digital Evidence Expertise
Our experience with complex cases has prepared us for modern hazing evidence challenges. We know how to recover deleted messages, analyze social media patterns, and present digital evidence compellingly—skills detailed in our evidence preservation video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

Our Commitment to Alabama Families

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re deeply personal tragedies that disrupt lives and shatter trust. Our approach reflects this understanding:

Comprehensive Investigation
We investigate not just the immediate incident but the patterns, history, and institutional failures that allowed it to happen. This includes examining prior violations, national organization knowledge, and university response history.

Psychological Sensitivity
We work with mental health professionals to ensure emotional trauma is properly documented and addressed, recognizing that psychological harm can be as debilitating as physical injury.

Privacy Protection
We prioritize client confidentiality while pursuing accountability, understanding the social and academic vulnerabilities hazing victims face.

Prevention Focus
Beyond individual compensation, we seek reforms that prevent future harm—whether through settlement terms requiring policy changes or public accountability that drives institutional improvement.

Your Next Steps: Taking Action for Accountability

If hazing has affected your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The path forward begins with understanding your options and protecting your rights.

Free Confidential Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to Alabama families affected by hazing. During this consultation, we’ll:

1. Listen carefully to your experience without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options in clear, practical terms
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer all your questions about process, costs, and potential outcomes
6. Provide honest assessment of your situation

There’s no pressure to hire us—we want you to make informed decisions with clarity and confidence. As we explain in our video about client rights, you should feel comfortable and informed when working with legal counsel.

Understanding Costs and Fees

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases, which means:

• No upfront costs for our services
• No hourly bills or retainers required
• We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you
• If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us attorney fees

This model ensures that families in Chilton County and throughout Alabama can access experienced legal representation regardless of financial circumstances. We explain this further in our contingency fee video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Contact Us Today

Time is critical in hazing cases. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate or become difficult to locate, and statutory deadlines continue to run. Don’t let delay compromise your ability to seek accountability.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Additional Contact Options:

• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Spanish Services: Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com (Hablamos Español)

Serving All of Alabama

While based in Texas, we serve families throughout Alabama, including those in:

• Chilton County: Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, Isabella
• Jefferson County: Birmingham, Hoover, Bessemer, Homewood
• Mobile County: Mobile, Prichard, Theodore
• Montgomery County: Montgomery, Pike Road
• Madison County: Huntsville, Madison, Triana
• Tuscaloosa County: Tuscaloosa, Northport
• Lee County: Auburn, Opelika
• And all other Alabama communities

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For your reference, here are important resources mentioned in this guide:

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• https://attorney911.com

Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney Profiles:

• Ralph Manginello: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Practice Areas:

• Wrongful Death: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com