Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Families in Aurora and Across Wise County

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

It’s late at night in Wise County, and your phone rings. Your child, who you drove to a Texas campus just weeks ago, is on the other end—their voice shaky, evasive. They mention “mandatory” events that keep them up until 3 AM, unexplained bruises, or a friend who was hospitalized after a fraternity event. They say it’s “just tradition,” but your gut tells you something is very wrong. You hang up feeling helpless, hundreds of miles away in Aurora, wondering what’s really happening and what you can possibly do.

Right now, just a few hours south of Aurora in Houston, our law firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after horrific hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story—involving forced consumption until vomiting, extreme physical abuse, and ultimately rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—proves that the worst hazing nightmares are happening right here in Texas, to students from communities just like ours.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Aurora, Decatur, Boyd, and across Wise County whose children may be facing hazing at any Texas university. Whether your child attends a nearby school like the University of North Texas or Texas A&M-Commerce, or has ventured further to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other campuses, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

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 families in Aurora and Wise County who may be unfamiliar with modern campus life, understanding what constitutes hazing is critical. Hazing is no longer just about “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Under Texas law and in practice, hazing encompasses any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking competitions, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking. The recent University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints—a classic alcohol-free but equally dangerous substance hazing method.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes extreme “workouts” designed to cause injury. In the UH case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Other methods include sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests.

3. Psychological and Humiliation Hazing
This includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation, and public shaming. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH case—requiring constant carrying of humiliating items like condoms and sex toys—is psychological hazing designed to break down dignity and enforce submission.

4. Sexualized Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), and sexually degrading rituals. At Texas A&M, a Corps of Cadets lawsuit alleged cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in their mouth.

5. Digital Hazing
A terrifying evolution for the smartphone era. Includes 24/7 group chat monitoring, forced social media posts, location tracking via apps like Find My Friends, and humiliation through TikTok challenges or Instagram stories. Deleted messages don’t disappear forever—digital forensics can recover them.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (from football to swimming)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, marching bands)
Academic and cultural organizations
Some service and honor societies

For Wise County families, this means your child doesn’t need to join a Greek organization to be at risk. Any group with initiation rituals and power imbalances can harbor dangerous traditions.

Texas Hazing Law: What Aurora and Wise County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding these laws is crucial for families in our community who need to navigate this system.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Hazing 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 whose members include students.

Key points for Wise County families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, and remote locations all count
Mental harm qualifies alongside physical harm
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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

Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face permanent campus bans.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Our firm’s perspective: As members of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, we understand how criminal cases interact with civil claims

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability
Critical insight: You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil action

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. By 2026, families will have better access to campus hazing data.

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

Clery Act
Requires reporting of certain crimes, including some hazing-related assaults and alcohol offenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself
National Headquarters: For failing to supervise or enforce policies
Universities: For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or event venues
Third Parties: Alcohol providers, security companies, event organizers

For Aurora families, this means multiple sources of accountability—and potentially multiple insurance policies—may be available to ensure proper compensation.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The horrific case we’re litigating at University of Houston isn’t an anomaly. It follows patterns established in national tragedies that have shaped hazing law across America.

The Deadly Drinking Pattern: From Pennsylvania to Texas

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid acceptance night with extreme drinking led to multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for 12 hours. Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries. The case resulted in 18 members facing over 1,000 criminal counts and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Texas Connection: The same delayed-response pattern occurs here. In our UH case, Bermudez suffered for days before hospitalization.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The case settled for $10 million total ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU).

Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. The same “Big/Little” drinking traditions exist here.

Physical Hazing Patterns: From Blindfolds to Beatings

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat, Deng died from traumatic brain injuries. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years—a rare organizational criminal conviction.

Texas Relevance: Off-campus retreats are common among Texas Greek organizations, moving hazing away from campus oversight.

Athletic Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. The head coach was fired, and the university faced multiple lawsuits demonstrating that big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

Texas Relevance: With powerhouse programs at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other schools, athletic hazing is a real concern for Texas families.

What These Cases Mean for Aurora and Wise County

These national precedents establish that:

Universities and national organizations can be held accountable
Multi-million dollar settlements are possible in serious cases
Patterns repeat—the same behaviors that caused deaths elsewhere are happening in Texas
Experienced legal counsel can leverage these precedents in Texas courts

Texas Universities: Where Wise County Students Attend and What Happens There

Families in Aurora and Wise County send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes at these schools is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing your rights.

University of North Texas (Denton)

For Aurora Families: Just an hour’s drive from Wise County, UNT is a common choice for local students. Its Greek life includes 23 fraternities and 17 sororities under the Department of Student Activities.

Documented Incidents:

Multiple fraternities have faced disciplinary action for hazing violations
The university maintains conduct records that can be critical in litigation

Legal Jurisdiction: Cases involving UNT may involve Denton County courts, Denton police, and UNT’s Office of Student Conduct.

What UNT Parents Should Know:

Report hazing to UNT’s Dean of Students immediately
Document everything—Texas public records laws can help obtain university disciplinary files
UNT’s size means patterns can be overlooked without proper investigation

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Proximity to Wise County: Located in neighboring Hunt County, Texas A&M-Commerce is another accessible option for Wise County families.

Greek Life Context: While smaller than flagship campuses, Greek organizations at A&M-Commerce have faced hazing allegations. The university follows Texas A&M System policies on hazing prevention and reporting.

Practical Guidance:

Commerce police and campus police share jurisdiction
The university’s conduct process may move slowly—legal pressure can accelerate accountability
Evidence preservation is critical in smaller communities where social pressure can silence witnesses

Major Texas Universities: Where Many Wise County Students Venture

University of Texas at Austin

Texas’s Most Transparent System
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a rare level of transparency that can be weaponized in litigation.

Documented Cases Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Facing ongoing litigation over assault allegations

For Wise County Families with UT Students:

Check UT’s public hazing log for prior violations involving your child’s organization
Understand that UT Police Department and Austin police may both have jurisdiction
Prior violations on UT’s log establish pattern evidence crucial for civil cases

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Corps of Cadets Culture
The Corps represents unique hazing risks beyond Greek life. A 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were subjected to simulated sexual acts and binding in “roasted pig” positions.

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple fraternities have faced suspensions for alcohol hazing

College Station Considerations:

Brazos County courts handle local cases
Texas A&M’s size and tradition can create institutional resistance
Corps cases involve military-style command structures that require specialized legal understanding

University of Houston

Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
This ongoing litigation exemplifies the worst hazing can become:

The Hazing Conduct:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Extreme physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
“Waterboarding” simulation: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter votes to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures and cooperation with law enforcement

Defendants in Our Lawsuit:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and others)

Media Coverage:

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Private University Dynamics
SMU’s status as a private institution affects transparency and legal strategies.

Documented Issues:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
Ongoing oversight through SMU’s Office of Student Affairs

Dallas-Area Considerations:

Dallas County courts handle litigation
SMU’s affluent reputation can create pressure to minimize scandals
Private university records require subpoenas rather than public records requests

Baylor University (Waco)

Recent History and Culture
Baylor’s recent sexual assault scandal context affects how hazing cases are handled.

Documented Cases:

Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Ongoing Greek life oversight through Student Activities office

Waco-Area Logistics:

McLennan County jurisdiction
Baylor’s religious identity can influence internal processes
Title IX considerations may apply to some hazing cases

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Wise County Families Are Up Against

Behind every fraternity or sorority your child might join stands a complex network of organizations, insurance policies, and legal entities. Understanding this ecosystem is crucial for holding the right parties accountable.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. This isn’t theoretical—we use this data daily in active litigation like the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

IRS B83 Backbone: 125 Texas-Registered Greek Entities
Public IRS filings reveal the legal structures behind campus organizations:

Sample Texas Greek Organizations from Public Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN: 161675890) – The Woodlands, TX 77382
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN: 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204

Cause IQ Metro Analysis: 1,423 Organizations Statewide
Across 25 Texas metros, we track Greek entities including:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations

Why This Matters for Wise County Families:
When your child is hazed, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of potentially liable organizations
Where to find their insurance information
How national brands operate across Texas metros
Which housing corporations and alumni groups have deep pockets

National Fraternity Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

National Pattern: Stone Foltz alcohol poisoning death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Legal Significance: Prior national incidents establish foreseeability in Texas cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault allegations at UT Austin
Our Insight: SAE eliminated pledging nationally in 2014, yet violations continue

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol death at Florida State
Current Texas Case: Our UH litigation shows same patterns continuing
Legal Strategy: National’s knowledge of prior deaths strengthens negligence claims

How National Histories Create Liability

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths elsewhere:

Foreseeability is established: Nationals knew or should have known the risks
Negligent supervision claims strengthen: Why didn’t nationals prevent known dangers?
Punitive damages become possible: Repeated disregard for safety may warrant punishment

For Aurora families, this means an incident at a Texas campus connects to a national pattern—and national resources may be available for recovery.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Recovery Looks Like

When hazing causes serious injury or death, families need more than campus discipline. They need comprehensive legal action that addresses the full scope of harm and holds all responsible parties accountable.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital fingerprints everywhere. Preserving this evidence is our first priority.

Critical Evidence Types:

Digital Communications
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats
- Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot before they disappear)
- Fraternity-specific apps and Discord servers
- Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices
Photos & Videos
- Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
- Social media posts and stories
- Security camera footage from houses and venues
- Injury documentation: Multiple angles with scale reference
Internal Organization Documents
- Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
- Emails between members about events
- National policies and training materials
- Risk management files
University Records
- Prior conduct violations (obtainable via public records requests)
- Campus police reports
- Clery Act reports
- Internal investigation documents
Medical Evidence
- ER records and hospitalization documentation
- Lab results (toxicology, kidney function, etc.)
- Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
- Future treatment plans and cost estimates

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Texas Hazing Cases

Hazing causes devastating harm that Texas law recognizes through several damage categories:

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost earnings: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity
Educational costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Harm)

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Damaged college experience, ended activities

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support for families
Emotional suffering of parents and siblings
Our wrongful death practice has recovered millions for Texas families

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional harm
Designed to punish and deter future conduct
The UH Pi Kappa Phi case may involve punitive claims given the extreme conduct

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Recovery Often Hinges

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers often fight coverage.

Common Insurance Defenses We Counter:

“Hazing is an intentional act excluded from coverage”
“The policy doesn’t cover this location or these defendants”
“The claim wasn’t reported properly”

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

Value and undervalue claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
His background gives us unparalleled insight into insurance company strategies

Statute of Limitations: The Clock is Ticking

Texas generally allows 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions exist:

Discovery rule: Time may not start until harm is discovered
Tolling for minors: Paused if victim was under 18
Fraudulent concealment: Extended if defendants hid evidence

Critical: Evidence disappears fast. Group chats are deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade. Our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains why immediate action is crucial.

Practical Guide for Wise County Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexpected “dues” or purchases
Academic decline from missing classes for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask (Without Confrontation):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respectful of your time?”
“What do they ask new members to do? Is anything uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt or been hurt yourself?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

Immediate Action Steps:

Prioritize safety: If in danger, call 911
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Document everything: Write down details while fresh
Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor
Contact an attorney: Before talking to university or insurers

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured?
Would I do this if I had a real choice?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first
Send written resignation (email/text for record)
Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure may occur
Report retaliation immediately to campus authorities

Evidence Preservation (Do This Now):

Screenshot all group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Save everything—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Watch our evidence preservation video for detailed guidance

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; makes case nearly impossible
Our advice: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Our advice: Document first, then let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball
Our advice: Don’t sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Our advice: Let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting for University “Investigation”
What universities promise: “We’re handling this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Our advice: Preserve evidence now; consult attorney immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case for complete guidance.

Why Attorney911 for Texas 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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Aurora, Decatur, and all of Wise County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Proven track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 organizations tracked statewide
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Our Contingency Fee Commitment

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible to all Texas families, regardless of means.

How contingency fees work:

No upfront costs or hourly fees
We cover all case expenses initially
Fee is percentage of recovery (only if we win)
If we don’t recover, you owe us nothing
Watch our video explaining contingency fees for complete details

Contact Attorney911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends a university near Aurora or anywhere in Texas—you don’t have to face this alone. We offer free, confidential consultations to Wise County families and students throughout Texas.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly and honestly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (remember: contingency fee basis)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s best for your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Us Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Language Services Available:

Hablamos Español—contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Servicios legales completos disponibles en español

Serving All of Texas:
While based in Houston, we represent families throughout Texas, including Aurora, Decatur, Boyd, and all Wise County communities. Distance is no barrier to effective representation in today’s digital age.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
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