Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Tuscola and Taylor County Families

When Hazing Hits Home: What One UH Case Means for Our Tuscola Community

It starts with a late-night phone call or a concerning text message. Your child, who left home in Tuscola for college with dreams of friendship and belonging, now sounds different—exhausted, secretive, frightened. Maybe they mention “mandatory” events that keep them out until 3 AM. Maybe they show unexplained bruises or seem unusually anxious about their phone. Perhaps they’ve started drinking heavily when they never did before. Or maybe the worst has already happened: a call from a hospital, a frantic plea for help, or silence where there should be connection.

For families across Abilene, Tuscola, and Taylor County—whether your student attends nearby campuses like Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, or McMurry University right here in Abilene, or has ventured farther to Texas A&M, UT Austin, the University of Houston, or other Texas schools—that moment of realization is terrifying. You’re suddenly facing powerful institutions, confusing legal terms, and the sinking feeling that you don’t know how to protect your child.

Right now, less than four hours from Tuscola in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—a case that shows exactly how dangerous and systemic campus hazing remains in 2025. University of Houston student Leonel Bermudez nearly died from kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members allegedly subjected him to forced overeating, extreme physical abuse, and psychological torment that included threats of waterboarding. His urine turned brown from muscle breakdown, he was hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure, and he faces potential permanent damage. This isn’t some abstract news story—this is happening right now in Texas, to a student whose family trusted a university and fraternity to keep him safe.

This comprehensive guide exists because families in Tuscola, Abilene, Buffalo Gap, and across Taylor County deserve to know the truth about hazing at Texas universities. We’ll show you what modern hazing really looks like, explain Texas hazing law in plain English, expose the national patterns behind local chapters, and give you concrete steps to protect your child. Most importantly, we’ll show you that you don’t have to face this alone.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For many Tuscola and Taylor County families, “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or outdated movie scenes. The reality in 2025 is far more sophisticated, dangerous, and intentionally hidden. Modern hazing has evolved into a calculated system of control that leverages technology, psychological manipulation, and legal loopholes to avoid detection.

The Legal Definition That Matters for Texas Families

Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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

What Tuscola parents need to understand most critically: “Consent is not a defense” in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they signed something, even if they went along willingly—none of that matters under Texas law if the activity meets the legal definition of hazing.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
This is where most Taylor County students encounter hazing first, often without recognizing it as illegal:

24/7 digital control: Required to respond to group chats instantly at all hours
Servitude duties: Cleaning members’ apartments, running errands, acting as designated driver
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members or family
Identity stripping: Being given derogatory nicknames or required to wear specific clothing
“Optional” events: Framed as voluntary but with clear social consequences for not attending

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
This is where physical and psychological harm becomes systematic:

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of water, milk, or bland foods until vomiting
Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
Public humiliation: Forced to perform embarrassing acts in public or on social media
Temperature exposure: Left outside in cold weather or locked in hot rooms

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Where Lives Are Endangered)
This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH and what families must recognize as criminal:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer punishments
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—often framed as “tradition”
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous rituals: “Glass ceiling” tackles, blindfolded challenges, kidnapping
Chemical exposure: Being sprayed with cleaners or other substances causing burns

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What makes 2025 hazing particularly dangerous for Taylor County students is how technology enables abuse:

Group chat gauntlets: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord create 24/7 accountability
Location tracking: Members required to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media coercion: Forced to post humiliating content on TikTok or Instagram
Evidence destruction: Training on how to use disappearing messages and delete evidence
Digital humiliation: Creation and sharing of memes mocking specific pledges

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations receive most attention, Tuscola families should know hazing occurs across campus:

Sororities: Yes, despite stereotypes—forced drinking, sleep deprivation, psychological manipulation
Athletic teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer—often under the guise of “team bonding”
Corps of Cadets/ROTC: Military-style traditions that cross into abuse
Marching bands & performance groups: Tour rituals and initiation ceremonies
Spirit organizations: Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar tradition-heavy groups
Academic clubs: Especially competitive pre-professional organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What Taylor County Families Need to Know

When hazing impacts your family in Tuscola or anywhere in Texas, understanding the legal framework is crucial. Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive hazing statutes, but they’re only effective if families know how to use them.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas Education Code § 37.152 establishes clear criminal consequences:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offense (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional offenses: Failure to report hazing and retaliation against reporters are also crimes

What this means for Taylor County families: The students who harmed your child aren’t just facing university discipline—they could face criminal charges that follow them for life. And under Texas law, both individuals and organizations can be prosecuted.

Civil Liability: Where Financial Recovery Happens

Criminal cases punish wrongdoers; civil cases compensate victims. For Tuscola families dealing with medical bills, therapy costs, and educational disruption, civil lawsuits provide the path to financial recovery. Potential defendants include:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
Officers who knew or should have known what was happening

2. Local Chapters

The fraternity, sorority, or club as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurs

3. National Organizations

Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
Organizations that failed to act on prior warnings

4. Universities

Schools that knew about hazing patterns but failed to intervene
Institutions that provided inadequate supervision

5. Third Parties

Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop laws

The Critical Texas Protections Every Family Should Know

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§ 37.154)
Texas law protects those who report hazing in good faith from civil or criminal liability. This means your child can call for help without fear of getting in trouble for underage drinking or minor participation.

Consent is Not a Defense (§ 37.155)
The law explicitly states that victim “consent” doesn’t matter. This demolishes the most common defense fraternities and universities try to use.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose campus recognition. This creates leverage for meaningful change.

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, Title IX requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action. This federal law can provide additional avenues for accountability when Texas laws might fall short.

Clery Act
Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. Hazing incidents that involve assault, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses must be included in annual reports.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new federal law requires enhanced transparency, public reporting of hazing incidents, and stronger prevention programs at federally funded institutions. Implementation phases in through 2026, creating new accountability tools.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The hazing incident that harms your Taylor County student isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of national patterns that have caused deaths, permanent injuries, and multi-million dollar lawsuits across the country. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize how their situation fits into larger systems of accountability.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)
The Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night that killed Stone Foltz mirrors what happens at Texas chapters: pledges forced to drink entire bottles of alcohol, older members watching as victims deteriorate, delayed calls for help. The $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU) shows what cases are worth when institutions fail.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017)
Beta Theta Pi’s bid acceptance night turned fatal when Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell multiple times on camera, and members waited hours before calling for help. The resulting criminal charges against 18 members and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law demonstrate how one case can change national standards.

Max Gruver – LSU (2017)
Phi Delta Theta’s “Bible study” drinking game—where wrong answers meant forced drinking—killed Gruver with a 0.495% BAC. The $6.1 million verdict for his family and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act show that juries and legislatures respond forcefully to preventable deaths.

The Physical Abuse Pattern: From “Tradition” to Trauma

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013)
Pi Delta Psi’s “glass ceiling” ritual involved blindfolded pledges being tackled while carrying weighted backpacks. Deng’s death from traumatic brain injury and the resulting criminal convictions (including against the national organization) prove that violent rituals aren’t just “roughhousing.”

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)
Phi Gamma Delta’s “pledge dad reveal” night left Santulli with permanent brain damage requiring 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants show how multiple parties share liability when systems fail.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
The sexualized and racially charged hazing within Northwestern’s football program demonstrates that abusive traditions exist in multi-million dollar athletic programs too. Multiple lawsuits and confidential settlements show that no institution is immune.

What These Cases Mean for Taylor County Families

Every national case establishes precedents that help Texas families:

Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused harm elsewhere, courts recognize the national organization should have known the risks
Damages benchmarks: Multi-million dollar settlements establish what serious cases are worth
Legal strategies: Successful lawsuits provide roadmaps for holding all responsible parties accountable
Prevention pressure: Public cases force universities and nationals to implement real reforms

Texas University Focus: Where Tuscola Students Are Most at Risk

Taylor County families send students to universities across Texas. Whether your child attends local campuses like Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, or McMurry here in Abilene, or ventures to larger schools elsewhere, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis Campus

The Leonel Bermudez Case: What’s Happening Right Now
As we represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi, we’re seeing firsthand how systemic hazing operates at a major Texas university. The allegations read like a hazing encyclopedia:

Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Extreme exercise: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threats
Psychological torture: Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” threats of actual waterboarding
Degrading rituals: “Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toys, humiliating items
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the patterns that enabled this abuse exist across Greek life at UH and other campuses.

UH’s Greek Landscape
With over 40 fraternity and sorority chapters across four governing councils, UH represents the complex ecosystem where hazing thrives:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha
Houston Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All 9 Divine Nine organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple culturally-based organizations

What Tuscola Families Should Know About UH

Distance: Approximately 3.5 hours from Tuscola—close enough for regular visits, far enough for isolation
Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UHPD, Houston Police Department, and Harris County courts
Pattern evidence: We maintain records of prior UH hazing incidents that establish institutional knowledge

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk in College Station

The Corps of Cadets Reality
For many Central Texas families, the Corps represents tradition and discipline. But that structure can enable abuse:

2023 “Roasted Pig” case: Cadet alleged being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth
Systemic issues: Multiple hazing investigations within the Corps in recent years
Legal exposure: A&M’s unique culture creates specific liability questions

Greek Life Chemical Burns Case
In 2021, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The resulting lawsuit revealed:

Systematic abuse: Not “rogue members” but chapter-sanctioned activities
Medical severity: Injuries requiring specialized medical treatment
Institutional response: Two-year suspension rather than permanent removal

What Taylor County Families Should Know About Texas A&M

Geographic connection: Many Taylor County students attend A&M
Unique risks: Combined Greek/Corps participation increases exposure
Local jurisdiction: Brazos County courts handle cases, but our Houston-based firm regularly litigates there

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

Public Transparency Tool
UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations page—a resource few Texas universities provide. Recent entries show ongoing issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple hazing violations for forced activities
Various fraternities: Alcohol-related hazing, physical endurance tests

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Persistent Problems
The SAE chapter at UT faces multiple lawsuits alleging:

Physical assaults: Including incidents causing broken bones and internal injuries
Alcohol hazing: Systematic forced drinking at parties
Retaliation: Against members who report or resist

What Tuscola Families Should Know About UT

Legal advantage: Public violation records strengthen civil cases
Austin jurisdiction: Travis County courts with specific procedures
Pattern evidence: Decades of documented hazing create strong foreseeability arguments

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Accountability

Private University Dynamics
SMU’s status as a private institution affects hazing response:

Less transparency: Internal processes rather than public records
Different pressures: Reputation management influences responses
Alumni influence: Donor concerns can shape outcomes

Kappa Alpha Order History
SMU’s KA chapter has faced multiple suspensions for:

Paddling incidents: Physical beatings of new members
Alcohol hazing: Systematic forced drinking
Probation patterns: Repeated violations despite “reforms”

What Taylor County Families Should Know About SMU

Dallas jurisdiction: Different court procedures and precedents
Insurance dynamics: Private university coverage differs from public institutions
Settlement patterns: Confidential resolutions more common at private schools

Baylor University: Reformed but Still Risky

Post-Scandal Landscape
After Baylor’s sexual assault scandal, the university implemented reforms, but risks remain:

Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Greek life tensions: Balancing religious mission with Greek culture
Oversight challenges: Monitoring hundreds of student organizations

Waco-Specific Considerations

Local jurisdiction: McLennan County courts with specific personalities
Community dynamics: Close-knit campus affects reporting and testimony
Regional medical care: Treatment patterns differ from larger metro areas

Local Taylor County Campuses: Hazing Happens Here Too

Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University
While smaller than state schools, local campuses have their own risks:

Closer proximity: Families may notice changes more quickly
Smaller communities: Social pressure can be intense
Different resources: Counseling and support services vary
Local jurisdiction: Taylor County courts handle cases

The Greek Organization Reality: National Patterns, Local Harm

When a Taylor County student is hazed at a Texas university, they’re experiencing local manifestations of national patterns. Understanding these connections is crucial for holding all responsible parties accountable.

The Pi Kappa Phi Pattern: From Florida to Houston

Leonel Bermudez’s experience at UH followed the same script that killed Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017. Both involved:

Systematic alcohol hazing
Physical endurance tests
Delayed medical response
Chapter closure after tragedy

This pattern proves Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters knew or should have known the risks their chapters were taking.

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pattern: A National Crisis

SAE has been involved in more hazing deaths than any other fraternity, including:

Carson Starkey – California Polytechnic (2008)
Traumatic brain injury cases – University of Alabama (2023)
Chemical burns – Texas A&M (2021)
Multiple assaults – UT Austin (ongoing)

When SAE chapters at Texas schools repeat these patterns, the national organization’s knowledge becomes crucial evidence.

The Pi Kappa Alpha Pattern: Deadly Traditions

From Stone Foltz at Bowling Green to repeated violations at UT Austin, Pi Kappa Alpha’s “Big/Little” nights have proven deadly across the country. Their national headquarters has paid millions in settlements while chapters continue dangerous practices.

Why National Histories Matter for Taylor County Families

Foreseeability: Courts recognize that national organizations know their chapters’ patterns
Insurance coverage: National headquarters often have deeper insurance pockets
Punitive damages: Knowledge of prior incidents supports claims for punishment beyond compensation
Systemic change: Holding nationals accountable can force real reform

Building Your Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

When hazing harms your Taylor County student, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic thinking. Here’s what families need to know about the legal process.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat content
Location data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geotagged photos
Deleted content: Recoverable through digital forensics

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records: Immediate treatment documentation
Specialist reports: Follow-up care and long-term prognosis
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Therapy records: Ongoing mental health treatment

Physical Evidence

Injuries: Photographs over time showing progression
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props used in hazing
Clothing: Items worn during incidents
Receipts: Purchases related to hazing activities

Institutional Records

University files: Prior complaints, disciplinary actions, emails
National organization records: Risk management files, incident reports
Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement documentation

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition, fees, delayed graduation
Income loss: Current and future earning capacity reduction

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Harm)

Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life
Reputational harm: Social and professional consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When the Unthinkable Happens)

Funeral expenses: Burial and related costs
Loss of support: Financial contribution the student would have provided
Loss of companionship: Emotional harm to family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Bad)

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
When awarded: Gross negligence, intentional harm, cover-ups
Texas caps: Limited by statute but available in appropriate cases

The Legal Strategy: Why Experience Matters

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers use every argument to deny claims:

Intentional act exclusions: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
Policy limits: Claiming coverage is insufficient for damages
Duty to defend disputes: Delaying legal representation

Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us unique insight into these tactics and how to counter them.

Multiple Defendant Coordination
Successful hazing cases typically involve suing:

Individual students
Local chapter
National headquarters
University
Third parties (landlords, alcohol providers)

Coordinating claims against all potentially liable parties maximizes recovery and accountability.

Statute of Limitations Management
Texas generally provides two years to file hazing claims, but exceptions exist:

Discovery rule: Clock may not start until harm is discovered
Tolling for minors: Different rules for students under 18
Fraudulent concealment: If defendants hid evidence, time may be extended

Practical Guide for Tuscola and Taylor County Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Student May Be Hazed

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, weight changes
Behavioral: Secretiveness, withdrawal, personality changes
Academic: Dropping grades, missed classes, lost scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages
Financial: Unexplained expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Student

Choose the right time: Private, calm, uninterrupted
Use open questions: “How are things with your group?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel ashamed or defensive
Emphasize safety: “Your wellbeing is what matters most”
Provide next steps: Have resources ready before the conversation

Immediate Response Checklist

Get medical attention if injured
Preserve digital evidence (screenshots, photos)
Document everything (dates, names, details)
Contact an experienced hazing attorney
Report to appropriate authorities (with attorney guidance)
Secure physical evidence
Arrange mental health support

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Quick Assessment

Are you being pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if you could truly say no?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets?
Would the university approve if they knew?

How to Exit Safely

Have a safety plan: Know where you’ll go and who you’ll call
Document first: Screenshot evidence before announcing departure
Use written communication: Email or text your resignation
Avoid “one last meeting”: Don’t give them opportunity to pressure you
Seek support: Connect with campus resources or family

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Reporting protection: Good-faith reporters have immunity
Medical amnesty: Calling 911 in emergencies provides protection
Civil action rights: You can sue even if you “agreed” to participate
Privacy rights: You can request confidentiality in legal proceedings

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Cases

Deleting Evidence
What families think: “We want to forget this happened”
Reality: Looks like a cover-up, destroys the case
Confronting the Organization
What families think: “We’ll give them a chance to explain”
Reality: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, prepare defenses
Signing University Paperwork
What universities do: Offer quick “resolution” agreements
Reality: Often includes waivers of legal rights
Social Media Posts
What families think: “We need to tell our story”
Reality: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you
Delaying Legal Consultation
What families think: “Let’s see how the university handles it”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, time runs out

Why Attorney911 for Taylor County Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Negotiate behind closed doors

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. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and major universities don’t intimidate us—we know how to fight powerful defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability and adequate compensation.

Criminal + Civil Dual Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability.

Investigative Depth
Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
Medical specialists to document injuries
Greek life culture experts to explain dynamics
Economists to calculate lifetime impacts

Our Texas-Wide Reach

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas:

Taylor County cases: Regular work in Abilene and surrounding courts
Statewide experience: Cases from Beaumont to El Paso
University expertise: Deep knowledge of all major Texas campuses
Local counsel relationships: Work with attorneys across the state when needed

Our Commitment to Taylor County Families

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal issues—they’re family crises. Our approach combines:

Thorough investigation: We leave no stone unturned
Clear communication: Regular updates in plain English
Strategic thinking: Every decision made with your goals in mind
Empathetic support: We recognize the human cost of legal battles

Take Action Today: Free Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your Taylor County family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We offer:

Free Case Evaluation

Confidential discussion of your situation
Assessment of legal options
Explanation of potential outcomes
No obligation to hire us

What to Bring to Your Consultation

Any evidence you’ve preserved (screenshots, photos, medical records)
Names and contact information for involved parties
Timeline of events
List of questions or concerns

Contact Us Today

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com
Attorney911 Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Attorney911 Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Click2Houston Report on UH Pi Kappa Phi 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 Case: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 YouTube Video – Client Mistakes That Ruin Cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Attorney911 YouTube Video – Statute of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Attorney911 YouTube Video – How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Attorney911 YouTube Video – Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs