The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: Rights, Recourse, and Real Accountability for Goree and Knox County Families

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

For parents in Goree, Knox County, and across West Texas, the phone call every family dreads might start with a university official saying, “There’s been an incident.” Your child—who you sent to Texas Tech, Midwestern State, or another Texas campus with pride—is now in the hospital with alcohol poisoning, severe muscle breakdown, or psychological trauma. The story you’re told feels incomplete: “It was just a party.” “They agreed to it.” “We’re handling it internally.”

Right now, our firm is leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting; “waterboarding” with a hose; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats; and a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items. The result? Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, and a four-day hospitalization with risk of permanent kidney damage.

If this sounds unimaginable to you as a parent in Goree, understand this: hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “traditions.” It’s a calculated system of coercion, cover-up, and institutional negligence that puts Texas students at risk every semester. This guide exists to give Goree families—whether your child attends nearby Texas Tech in Lubbock, Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, or any Texas campus—the knowledge and resources you need when the system fails them.

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

For Goree families who may be several hours’ drive from major university campuses, understanding modern hazing is critical. What happens in Lubbock, Wichita Falls, or College Station isn’t “boys will be boys”—it’s often calculated, cruel, and criminal.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)

24/7 digital control: GroupMe messages demanding immediate responses at 3 AM, location sharing via Find My Friends, social media policing
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated driver at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Psychological manipulation: “You’re not committed if you don’t…” “Everyone before you did this…” Isolation from non-Greek friends

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)

Sleep deprivation: Mandatory overnight “study sessions,” 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings”
Forced consumption: Spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland items (milk, bread, hot dogs), hot sauce challenges
Extreme physical demands: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls across campus
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes in public, forced singing or dancing, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)

Alcohol poisoning scenarios: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games, lineup chugging contests
Physical violence: Paddling, beatings, “glass ceiling” tackle rituals, forced fights
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical and fire hazing: Industrial cleaner poured on skin (causing chemical burns), being set on fire during “skits”

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What makes 2025 hazing particularly dangerous—and particularly prosecutable—is its digital footprint:

Group chat evidence: Planning in GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Social media documentation: Humiliating TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, Snapchat evidence
Digital coercion: “Optional” events coordinated digitally but socially mandatory
Evidence destruction: Coaching on deleting messages, using disappearing message features

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities get most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Saddle Tramps, etc.)
Marching bands and performing arts groups
Academic and service organizations

For Goree students attending Texas Tech’s Greek system or Midwestern State’s athletic programs, the risk exists across multiple organization types.

Texas Law and Your Rights: What Goree Families Need to Know

Under Texas law—which governs cases for Goree and Knox County families—hazing is taken seriously, but understanding the legal framework is essential for pursuing justice.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Critical provisions for Goree families:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is the most important provision for families to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that does not make it legal. Texas law recognizes that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion invalidate true consent.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. This is critical for encouraging medical intervention.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome: Does NOT provide financial compensation to victims

Civil Cases:

Brought by: Victims and families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering

Crucially, these can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice, though it can strengthen the civil case.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. By 2026, transparent hazing data should be available from all Texas public universities.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting requirements and potential federal claims.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting of certain crimes—including assaults and alcohol offenses common in hazing—in campus safety statistics.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies that made national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas universities where Goree students enroll.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

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

What happened: Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Result: Died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU); multiple criminal convictions
Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, and SMU

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Result: Died with 0.495% BAC
Legal outcome: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana; $6.1 million verdict
Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta operates at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas campuses

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

What happened: Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed 911 call
Result: Died from traumatic brain injury
Legal outcome: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania; dozens of criminal charges
Texas relevance: Beta Theta Pi has Texas chapters with similar “bid acceptance” traditions

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

What happened: Blindfolded, weighted tackle ritual during fraternity retreat
Result: Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
Legal outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas relevance: Shows off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” with forced excessive drinking
Result: Permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Legal outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed
Texas relevance: Phi Gamma Delta operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M

What These Cases Mean for Goree Families

Patterns repeat: The same “traditions” that killed students elsewhere are practiced in Texas
Institutions know: National fraternities have decades of incident reports showing these risks
Cover-up is standard: Delaying 911 calls, destroying evidence, coaching witnesses
Accountability is possible: Multi-million-dollar settlements and criminal convictions show systems can be held responsible

Texas Universities: Where Goree Students Attend and What Parents Need to Know

While Goree students attend universities across Texas, several institutions see recurring hazing issues that families should understand.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – The Closest Major Campus to Goree

For Goree families: Located about 90 miles from Goree, Texas Tech is the closest major university and a common destination for Knox County students. Its Greek system includes approximately 45 fraternities and sororities.

Recent Hazing Concerns:

Kappa Sigma investigations: Ongoing litigation involving alleged rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing
Sigma Chi discipline: Chapter sanctions for hazing violations
Corps of Cadets incidents: Historical patterns of rigorous physical demands crossing into hazing territory

Texas Tech’s Hazing Response:

Public hazing policy prohibiting “any activity that endangers mental or physical health”
Reporting through Office of Student Conduct
Critical for Goree families: Cases may involve Lubbock police and courts where local legal representation matters

What Texas Tech Parents from Goree Should Do:

Document travel: Keep records of trips to Lubbock for medical care or meetings
Understand jurisdiction: Hazing at Tech falls under Lubbock police and Lubbock County courts
Request prior incident reports: Texas Tech must disclose prior hazing violations involving the same organization

Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls)

For Goree families: At approximately 75 miles distance, MSU serves many North Texas and Knox County students with its smaller campus environment.

Greek Life Context:

Smaller Greek community but not immune to hazing risks
Athletic team hazing potential in NCAA Division II programs
Recent Tau Kappa Epsilon chapter activities under scrutiny

MSU’s Accountability Systems:

Student handbook prohibits hazing with specific examples
Reporting through Dean of Students office
Important for Goree families: Wichita Falls police and courts handle local incidents

Other Texas Universities Goree Students Attend

West Texas A&M University (Canyon):

Approximately 100 miles from Goree
Greek system includes Kappa Alpha Order, Sigma Chi, and others with national hazing histories
Canyon police and Randall County courts handle local cases

University of North Texas (Denton):

Longer commute but popular for North Texas students
Substantial Greek life with documented hazing violations
Denton police and courts jurisdiction

Texas A&M University (College Station):

Though farther away, attracts Goree students through agricultural programs
Notorious for: Corps of Cadets hazing litigation, Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case
Critical case study: 2023 Corps lawsuit alleging “roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case: Attorney911’s Active Litigation

Right now, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit that exemplifies everything wrong with hazing in Texas:

The Hazing Timeline:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid from Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
October 2025: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
November 3, 2025: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
November 6-9, 2025: Hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

The Institutional Response:

Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended chapter November 6
Chapter voted to surrender charter November 14
UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” but litigation reveals systemic failures

Why This Matters for Goree Families:

It’s happening now in Texas: Not historical—active, current litigation
Severe medical consequences: Kidney damage risks lifelong health issues
Multiple defendants held accountable: University, national fraternity, housing corporation, individual members
Our firm is leading the fight: We’re actively litigating against powerful institutions

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: National Organizations Behind Campus Letters

When your child joins “Beta Sigma” or “Phi Gamma,” they’re not just joining a campus club—they’re joining a national organization with decades of history, insurance policies, and, often, hazing incident reports.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Accountability

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations to rapidly identify all potentially liable entities in hazing cases. For Goree families, this means we don’t start from scratch—we already know the organizational structures behind campus letters.

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
The IRS lists over 125 Texas-registered entities including:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Zeta Beta Chapter (EIN 237098953, Prairie View, TX)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905, Houston, TX)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943, Houston, TX)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations Serving Texas Campuses:
Across 25 Texas metros, we track 1,423 Greek-related organizations including:

Lubbock Metro: 59 organizations serving Texas Tech
Wichita Falls Metro: 13 organizations serving Midwestern State
Amarillo Metro: 18 organizations serving West Texas A&M

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National pattern: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU)
Texas chapters: Active at Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU
Liability factor: National had prior notice of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National pattern: Multiple alcohol deaths, traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas chapters: Nearly every major Texas campus
Liability factor: Known as “the deadliest fraternity” with decades of incident reports

Phi Delta Theta:

National pattern: Max Gruver death (LSU)
Texas chapters: Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Liability factor: National implemented reforms only after fatal incident

Pi Kappa Phi:

National pattern: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State), our active UH case
Texas chapters: UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
Liability factor: Current active litigation shows pattern continues

Why National Histories Matter Legally

In court, we use national incident histories to establish:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Pattern and practice: This wasn’t “rogue individuals” but predictable based on history
Inadequate prevention: Policies existed but weren’t meaningfully enforced
Punitive damages potential: Repeated warnings ignored justify punishment beyond compensation

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

For Goree families considering legal action, understanding how cases are built and what to expect is crucial.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage threads showing planning and coercion
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat evidence of events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
Location data: Phone GPS showing presence at hazing locations

Medical Documentation:

ER records: Specifically mention “hazing” to create medical documentation
Lab results: Blood alcohol levels, creatine kinase (rhabdomyolysis), toxicology
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Long-term care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Institutional Records:

University conduct files: Prior incidents involving same organization
National fraternity records: Incident reports, risk management files
Insurance policies: Coverage details for chapters and nationals

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges: Often willing to cooperate once litigation starts
Former members: Those who quit over hazing concerns
Medical personnel: ER doctors, nurses who treated injuries
University staff: Advisors who turned a blind eye

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost earnings: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
Educational costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses
Life care plans: For permanent disabilities (brain injury, organ damage)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma and isolation

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral expenses: Burial, memorial costs
Loss of support: Financial contributions deceased would have made
Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouses
Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma of loss

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts, extreme cruelty
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for intentional conduct

The Defendant Universe: Who Can Be Held Responsible

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Personal liability: Even if organization pays, individuals can be personally liable

Local Chapter:

The campus organization as a legal entity
Often has local insurance coverage
Property ownership (houses, meeting spaces)

National Fraternity/Sorority:

Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, provide oversight
Deep pockets: Often have substantial insurance and assets
Prior knowledge: Incident histories across multiple chapters

University:

Public universities (Texas Tech, MSU, WTAMU): Sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions for gross negligence
Private universities (Baylor, SMU): Fewer immunity protections
Liability theories: Negligent supervision, Title IX violations, premises liability

Third Parties:

Property owners (off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts)
Alcohol providers (bars, liquor stores under dram shop laws)
Security companies failing to protect

Practical Guide for Goree Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Red Flags Your Child Is Being Hazed:

Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, limping, extreme fatigue
Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, secrecy about activities
Academic decline: Falling grades, missing classes for “mandatory” events
Financial strain: Unexplained charges, requests for money for “fines” or supplies
Digital patterns: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about missing messages

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the right time: When they’re not rushed or stressed
Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “Your health is more important than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

Immediate Steps If Hazing Is Confirmed:

Medical care first: Even if injuries seem minor
Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before it’s deleted
Document everything: Write down dates, times, names, details
Secure physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts
Contact an attorney: Before talking to university or insurance

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Questions to Ask:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Are older members making us do things they don’t do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911, then campus police
Tell someone first: Parent, RA, trusted friend before confronting organization
Formal resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: Where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document threats: Screenshot any retaliation for future complaints

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still illegal
Good-faith reporter protection: Calling 911 in medical emergencies is protected
No-contact orders available: Through university if harassed after reporting
Civil claims possible: Even if no criminal charges are filed

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence

What happens: “Let’s clean up our phones so we don’t get in more trouble”
Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice charges; case becomes “he said/she said”
The fix: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately—even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization

What happens: Parents call fraternity president demanding answers
Why it’s fatal: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
The fix: Document quietly, then let your attorney make first contact

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What happens: Dean’s office offers “internal resolution” with quick settlement
Why it’s fatal: Waives right to sue; settlements often 10-20% of case value
The fix: “I need to have my attorney review this before signing”

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts

What happens: “I can’t believe what XYZ fraternity did to my child!”
Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
The fix: Complete social media silence until case resolves

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

What happens: “Let’s see what the university finds first”
Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
The fix: Parallel tracks—university investigation AND legal preservation

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

What happens: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements used against you; early lowball settlements
The fix: “Please contact my attorney at 1-888-ATTY-911”

Why Attorney911 for Goree and Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, 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 Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active Leadership in Major Texas Case:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systematic abuse. This isn’t historical—it’s active, current litigation demonstrating our front-line experience.

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Our advantage: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience translates directly to battling national fraternities and university systems.

Our Data-Driven Investigation Approach

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database tracking:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS records of 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
Cause IQ organizational structures across Texas
National incident histories by organization

For Goree families: This means we don’t start from zero. When you call us about a Texas Tech fraternity, we already know:

The national organization’s hazing history
Local chapter insurance coverage details
Prior incidents at that chapter or similar chapters
Organizational structures and potential defendants

Multi-Million Dollar Results Orientation

Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, working with economists to value:

Lifetime earning capacity losses
Future medical and care needs
Non-economic pain and suffering

Not Settlement Mill Lawyers:
We prepare every case for trial because:

Trial-ready cases get better settlements
Universities and nationals know which lawyers will actually go to court
Juries deliver justice when institutions won’t

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability

HCCLA Membership:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability critical for:

Advising witnesses with potential criminal exposure
Understanding how criminal charges interact with civil claims
Navigating dual-track investigations

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español—Mr. Peña provides full consultation and representation in Spanish, serving Texas Hispanic families affected by hazing.

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Texas Tech, Midwestern State, West Texas A&M, or any Texas campus—we offer a no-obligation consultation to help you understand your options.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We listen first: You tell your story without interruption or judgment
Evidence review: We examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic expectations: Timelines, potential outcomes, challenges
Cost transparency: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

How to Contact Us

Immediate Assistance:

24/7 Hazing Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online Resources:

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

Email Contacts:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

For Goree and Knox County Families Specifically

We understand the unique challenges for rural Texas families facing university hazing systems:

Distance considerations: Travel to Lubbock, Wichita Falls, or other campuses for meetings
Local court understanding: Familiarity with West Texas courts and procedures
Community sensitivity: Discretion and privacy for small-community families
Practical logistics: Managing medical care hours from home

Whether you’re in Goree, Munday, Knox City, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face powerful institutions alone. The same organizations that operate at UT Austin and Texas A&M also operate at Texas Tech and Midwestern State. The same insurance companies defend them. The same cover-up tactics occur.

We’re here to help level the playing field.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Active Texas Hazing Case:

Click2Houston Report on UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Case:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH Hazing Lawsuit:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

Free Consultation Contact:
https://attorney911.com

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