Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Harker Heights Families Seeking Accountability and Justice

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

For families in Harker Heights, the nightmare often begins with a late-night phone call or a disturbing text message. Your student—maybe at Texas A&M University-Central Texas right here in Bell County, or perhaps at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, or another campus hours away—has been hurt during what was supposed to be a routine fraternity, sorority, Corps, or team event. They might downplay it initially: “It’s just tradition,” “Everyone goes through it,” or “I agreed to it.” But as bruises appear, medical bills arrive, or psychological trauma surfaces, you realize something much darker has occurred: your child has been hazed.

Right now, in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced carrying of a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys; extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; and a November 3rd workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. This abuse led to rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. Bermudez passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This case, detailed in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline coverage, represents exactly what we fight against: systematic, brutal hazing that universities and national organizations too often enable through inadequate supervision and weak enforcement.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Harker Heights families—parents in our community who send their children to local institutions like Texas A&M University-Central Texas and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Bell County, as well as to major campuses across Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, outline Texas and federal law, examine patterns at Texas universities, and provide actionable steps if your family is affected. Our goal is simple: to empower you with knowledge and show you that experienced legal help is available right here in Texas.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” or “team-building exercises” that organizations often claim. For Harker Heights families, understanding these modern manifestations is crucial to recognizing when your child is in danger.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing—The Gateway
These behaviors establish power imbalances while often being dismissed as “tradition.” They include:

24/7 digital control: Mandatory GroupMe responses at all hours, location-sharing requirements
Servitude obligations: Acting as on-call drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for outside socializing
Sleep and academic interference: Mandatory late-night meetings during exam periods

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing—The Escalation
These cause measurable physical or psychological harm:

Forced physical exertion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse, extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning”
Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” activities, multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland items)
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes or acts in public spaces, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing—The Crisis Point
These activities have high potential for severe injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mandate consumption
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—common in some NPHC traditions despite national prohibitions
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
Dangerous environments: Locking pledges in freezing rooms, exposure to extreme temperatures, “kidnapping” rituals

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Modern hazing has migrated to digital spaces, creating permanent records while increasing psychological harm:

Group chat domination: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages 24/7, with non-compliance triggering punishment
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming campaigns
Evidence creation: Members film hazing for entertainment, sharing videos in private groups
Geo-tracking coercion: Mandatory location-sharing via Find My Friends or Life360

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Campuses

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing permeates numerous campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets & ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and tradition groups like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching bands and performance ensembles
Academic and service organizations

The common thread? Power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy enforced through social pressure.

Texas Hazing Law: What Harker Heights Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal frameworks governing hazing, and understanding these is essential for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Core Statute

Section 37.151: Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key implications for Harker Heights families:

Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, retreats, and remote locations are covered
“Reckless” suffices: Intent to harm isn’t required—reckless disregard for safety qualifies
Mental harm counts: Psychological trauma qualifies alongside physical injury

Section 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is crucial: even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this does not excuse hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances and social pressure negate true voluntary consent.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal provisions:

Failure to report by members/officers who know of hazing: misdemeanor
Retaliation against reporters: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability

Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face:

Criminal fines up to $10,000 per violation
University recognition revocation
Civil lawsuits seeking compensatory and punitive damages

Good-Faith Reporting Protections

Texas law provides immunity for those who report hazing in good faith. This is particularly important given the common fear of “getting in trouble” for calling 911 in alcohol-related emergencies.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently by 2026
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and response requirements.

Clery Act Requirements
Criminal hazing incidents that qualify as assaults or alcohol crimes must be included in campus crime statistics.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Campuses

The tragic cases below aren’t just national news—they represent patterns that repeat at Texas universities, including those attended by Harker Heights students.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pike national, ~$3M from BGSU), criminal convictions, chapter closure.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Forced drinking during “Bible study” game; died with 0.495% BAC. Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute), criminal convictions, chapter closure.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Given handle of liquor during “Big Brother” night; died from acute alcohol poisoning. Result: FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily, criminal hazing convictions.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”; suffered permanent, severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see, requires 24/7 care). Result: Settlements with 22 defendants, chapter closure.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing spanning years. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements, program overhaul.

What These Patterns Mean for Harker Heights Families

These cases demonstrate:

Foreseeability: National organizations know these rituals are dangerous
Institutional failure: Universities often fail to intervene despite prior warnings
Legal accountability: Civil suits can achieve justice even when criminal cases don’t
Pattern evidence: Similar conduct at Texas campuses strengthens negligence claims

Texas Universities: Hazing Realities at Campuses Harker Heights Families Trust

Local Bell County Campuses

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen)
As a growing institution serving many military-connected families from Fort Hood and Harker Heights, TAMUCT represents an important local option. While smaller than flagship campuses, any Greek life or organization here falls under the same Texas hazing laws and potential liability frameworks.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton)
This private Christian university maintains strict conduct codes, but hazing can still occur in athletic teams, spirit groups, or unauthorized organizations. Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate legal liability for hazing injuries.

University of Houston: The Current Battleground

Our ongoing litigation in the Leonel Bermudez case reveals systemic issues at UH:

Pattern of Inadequate Supervision
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter conducted hazing at multiple locations—the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—over weeks without meaningful university intervention.

Medical Consequences Reality
Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure demonstrate how “workout” hazing can cause permanent organ damage. His critically high creatine kinase levels (over 47,000 U/L) and four-day hospitalization show the severity.

Institutional Response Pattern
UH’s statement calling conduct “deeply disturbing” after the lawsuit mirrors patterns seen nationally: reactive rather than proactive prevention.

For Harker Heights Families:
Many Houston-area students attend UH. The same national fraternities present there—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha—also operate at other Texas campuses your children might attend.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality
A 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apples in mouths, faced simulated sexual acts, and endured degrading treatment. Texas A&M stated it handled matters under its rules, but civil litigation pursued additional accountability.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits sought over $1 million in damages.

For Harker Heights Families:
With Texas A&M’s main campus just hours away, many local students join the Corps or Greek life there. The university’s combination of intense tradition culture and institutional protection creates unique hazing risks.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Public Hazing Violations Log
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent systems at hazing.utexas.edu, showing patterns like:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education
Multiple organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Lawsuit seeks over $1 million against chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

For Harker Heights Families:
UT’s transparency allows you to research organizations before your child joins. However, the repeated violations show policies alone don’t prevent hazing—enforcement and cultural change are needed.

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended with multi-year recruiting restrictions.

Private University Dynamics
SMU’s status affects transparency—internal reports aren’t publicly posted like UT’s. Civil litigation becomes crucial to uncover patterns and institutional knowledge.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the season.

Historical Context
Baylor’s football sexual assault scandal revealed institutional protection patterns that can also enable hazing cultures when accountability systems fail.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking Organizations Behind the Letters

For Harker Heights families, understanding that fraternities and sororities operate through complex legal structures is crucial. Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations—here’s what that means for your case.

Bell County and Central Texas Greek Ecosystem

Local Campus Organizations Serving Harker Heights Families:

Texas A&M University-Central Texas organizations fall under the same legal frameworks as larger campuses
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor groups maintain tax-exempt status through IRS recognition
Regional alumni chapters of national organizations operate throughout Central Texas

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Harker Heights Families

Through IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, we track entities like:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – EIN: 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244 – IRS B83 filing and Cause IQ metro listing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN: 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 educational foundation
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN: 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – IRS B83 filing, operates chapters statewide
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 filing, multiple Texas chapters
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN: 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 – Academic honor society with campus chapters
Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN: 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 – House corporation for UT chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN: 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446 – Alumni chapter serving multiple regions

Metro-Level Context:

Killeen-Temple MSA: Organizations serving Texas A&M University-Central Texas and surrounding communities
Waco MSA: Baylor University’s extensive Greek system impacts Central Texas
Austin-Round Rock MSA: 154+ Greek organizations at UT and surrounding campuses
Dallas-Fort Worth MSA: 510+ Greek organizations serving SMU, UNT, UT Dallas, and other campuses

National Brand Patterns in Texas

The same organizations involved in national hazing tragedies operate Texas chapters:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Stone Foltz death at BGSU ($10M settlement) – Texas chapters at UT, Texas A&M, Tech, others
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple hazing deaths nationally – Texas chapters at UT, Texas A&M, SMU, with ongoing litigation
Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU – Texas chapters at multiple campuses
Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at FSU – Currently involved in our UH litigation

Why This Data Matters for Harker Heights Families

Identifying All Potentially Liable Entities: Beyond the local chapter, national headquarters, housing corporations, alumni associations, and insurance policies may share liability
Pattern Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national organization demonstrate foreseeability
Insurance Coverage Tracing: Multiple entities may carry insurance applicable to your claim
Asset Identification: Judgments require collectible assets—we identify all possible sources

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

When hazing harms your child, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic planning. Here’s what Harker Heights families should know.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends histories, Uber/Lyft receipts
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages

Physical Evidence

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
Injury documentation: Photos with date stamps, progression documentation
Physical objects: Paddles, costumes, alcohol containers, “pledge manuals”
Clothing: Unwashed items showing stains, tears, or substances

Institutional Records

University files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, suspension records
National fraternity records: Incident reports, risk management files, insurance policies
Police reports: Campus PD and local law enforcement incident reports

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, rehabilitation, lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Economist calculations for lifetime income reduction

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering: Documented through medical records and testimony
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

The Insurance Battle: What Fraternities and Universities Don’t Tell You

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

“Intentional act” exclusions: Claiming hazing is excluded as intentional
“Rogue chapter” arguments: Nationals claiming local chapters acted independently
Coverage limits disputes: Arguing multiple incidents exhaust policy limits
Reservation of rights: Insurers funding defense while reserving right to deny coverage later

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

Value and devalue claims through IMEs (Independent Medical Exams)
Use delay tactics to pressure families financially
Fight coverage under exclusions and policy interpretations

Litigation Timeline Realities

First 30 Days: Evidence preservation, medical stabilization, initial demand letters
Months 1-6: Investigation, records collection, expert consultations
Months 6-12: Settlement negotiations, mediation attempts
Year 1-2: If no settlement, lawsuit filing and discovery phase
Year 2-3: Expert depositions, pre-trial motions, trial preparation
Year 3+: Trial or last-minute settlement

Most cases settle during discovery when defendants see the strength of evidence, but trial readiness is essential for leverage.

Practical Guidance for Harker Heights Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, fractures) with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal, defensiveness about the organization
Financial irregularities: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards
Digital behavior: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted histories
Academic decline: Missed classes, dropping grades, lost scholarships

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time for classes and sleep?”
“What kinds of activities do new members do? Is anything uncomfortable or worrying?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt or been hurt yourself?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, or would there be consequences?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment first
Prioritize medical care for any injuries
Preserve evidence immediately (screenshots, photos, notes)
Contact an attorney before confronting the organization or university

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would you do this if you could refuse without social or organizational consequences?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
Are you being told to keep secrets from university officials or family?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 first—Texas law provides good-faith reporter protections
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send a written resignation to chapter leadership (email creates record)
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document any threats or harassment for university and legal reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Evidence Disappear

Wrong: “Let’s delete those embarrassing messages so you don’t get in more trouble”
Right: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately—screenshots, photos, physical items
Why: Deleted evidence looks like cover-up and may be unrecoverable

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization First

Wrong: Calling the chapter president or showing up at the house
Right: Document everything, then let your attorney make first contact
Why: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and coach witnesses

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Wrong: Signing waivers or internal resolution agreements under pressure
Right: “I need to have my attorney review this before I sign anything”
Why: You may waive legal rights or accept inadequate settlements

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts

Wrong: Venting on Facebook or sharing details publicly
Right: Keep all discussion private until case resolution
Why: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility

MISTAKE #5: Waiting Too Long

Wrong: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Right: Consult an attorney within 48 hours while evidence is fresh
Why: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run

Watch our video on common client mistakes that can ruin injury cases for more guidance.

Why Attorney911 for Harker Heights Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value and devalue hazing claims through manipulated IMEs (Independent Medical Exams)
Use delay tactics to pressure families financially
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
/strategic tool for countering lowball offers and coverage denials.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Mr. Ralph Manginello)
As one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association) signal serious trial capability.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists to calculate lifetime damages, life care planners for future needs, and psychologists to document emotional trauma. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Understanding
Mr. Manginello’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation. We can advise:

Victims dealing with criminal investigations
Witnesses with potential exposure
Families navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Investigative Depth and Resources
Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages
Medical specialists in rhabdomyolysis, TBI, and trauma
Greek life culture experts for institutional pattern evidence
Economists for lifetime damage calculations

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response:

24/7 availability for emergency consultations
Evidence preservation guidance within hours
Immediate communication with universities to stop evidence destruction

Thorough Investigation:

Subpoena for national fraternity incident reports and insurance policies
Discovery of university prior knowledge and response patterns
Digital forensics for deleted group chats and social media
Witness interviews before memories fade or coaching occurs

Strategic Litigation:

Identifying ALL potentially liable entities (nationals, housing corporations, alumni associations, insurers)
Building pattern evidence from similar incidents nationwide
Preparing for trial while seeking fair settlement
Protecting victim privacy throughout the process

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide full legal services in Spanish for Hispanic families in Harker Heights and throughout Texas.

Take Action Today: Your Harker Heights Family Has Rights

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Texas A&M University-Central Texas here in Bell County, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen First: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any photos, messages, medical records, or documents you have
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, and other options
Realistic Assessment: We’ll provide honest assessment of strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes
Cost Transparency: We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover for you
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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 (Mr. Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services: Mr. Peña provides full consultations in Spanish—call or email lupe@atty911.com

Statute of Limitations: Act Now

Texas generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions and complexities exist. Evidence disappears quickly—witnesses graduate, phones are replaced, organizations destroy records. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for more information, then call us to preserve your rights.

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 Texas 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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Main Website:

https://attorney911.com