Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Abuse: A Comprehensive Guide for Coffee County, Alabama Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at an Alabama or SEC University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Coffee County—from Enterprise to Elba, New Brockton to Kinston—the college experience represents a proud milestone and a hopeful future. You’ve supported your child through years of hard work, watching them excel at Enterprise High School, cheer at New Brockton games, or prepare for their future at the Coffee County Career Center. When they head off to college—whether to Auburn, the University of Alabama, Troy, or beyond—you trust they’ll be safe, respected, and allowed to thrive.

But what happens when that trust is broken by hazing?

Right now, in Houston, Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at the University of Houston. According to media reports, he was forced through extreme workouts, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and subjected to humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements. His urine turned brown from muscle breakdown, he was hospitalized for four days, and now faces the risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, and we’re pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against the university, national fraternity, housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders.

This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, isn’t just a Texas story. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate in Texas have active chapters throughout Alabama and the SEC. The same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, and the same catastrophic injuries can happen whether your child is at Auburn, Alabama, or any campus where Greek life exists.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Coffee County families whose children have experienced hazing, whether at Alabama universities, SEC schools, or any college nationwide. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Alabama and federal law, the national patterns that make these incidents predictable and preventable, and what steps you should take immediately if your child has been harmed.

Hazing in 2025: What Coffee County Families Need to Recognize

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s systematic abuse that endangers physical and mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. For Coffee County families whose children may be first-generation college students or navigating Greek life for the first time, understanding these modern manifestations is crucial.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as “harmless” but creates psychological harm and power imbalances:

• Mandatory servitude: acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• Social isolation: cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize
• Sleep interference: mandatory late-night meetings during exams or study periods
• Digital control: requiring immediate responses to group chats at all hours, location tracking via apps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Causes emotional or physical discomfort without necessarily causing lasting injury:

• Verbal abuse and degradation during “interview” sessions
• Sleep deprivation through overnight events or early morning wake-ups
• Food/water manipulation: forced consumption of unpalatable substances or restriction of meals
• Public humiliation: forced embarrassing acts in public spaces, degrading costumes
• Excessive calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – High potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or death:

• Forced alcohol consumption: lineups, drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor
• Physical beatings and paddling (still prevalent despite national prohibitions)
• Dangerous physical tests: blindfolded activities, extreme endurance challenges
• Sexualized hazing: forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual coercion
• Exposure to extreme elements: locked in cold rooms, left outside in severe weather

Where Hazing Happens in Alabama College Culture

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: Both social Greek organizations and historically Black Greek-letter organizations (NPHC/Divine Nine)
• Athletic Teams: From football to cheerleading, especially during off-season “conditioning”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Particularly during band camp and competition seasons
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs: Military-style traditions that cross into abuse
• Spirit Organizations and Special Interest Clubs: Groups built around tradition and secrecy

For Coffee County students, many of whom participate in multiple campus activities, understanding that hazing can occur in any group is essential. The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the abuse of power dynamics under the guise of tradition.

Alabama Hazing Law & Legal Framework

Alabama takes hazing seriously, with specific statutes that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability. Understanding these laws is the first step toward holding responsible parties accountable.

Alabama Code § 16-1-23: The Alabama Anti-Hazing Law

Alabama defines hazing as:

“Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off the property of any school, college, or university, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student or other person for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by any school, college, or university.”

Key provisions affecting Coffee County families:

1. Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment and a $500 fine. If the hazing results in serious bodily injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year imprisonment.

2. Organizational Liability: Any organization that knowingly permits hazing can lose its official recognition and school sanction for a minimum of 5 years.

3. Individual Accountability: Both participants and persons who knowingly permit hazing are subject to penalties.

4. No Consent Defense: Like Texas, Alabama law states that “consent shall not be a defense” to hazing charges.

Federal Law Overlay

Several federal laws intersect with hazing cases that Alabama families should understand:

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing databases by 2026. This means increased accountability for Alabama universities.

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and address the misconduct.

The Clery Act: Requires colleges to report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug crime reporting requirements.

Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings: Understanding the Difference

For Coffee County families dealing with hazing, it’s important to distinguish between:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney or prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment through fines, probation, or incarceration
• Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”
• Example: District Attorney prosecuting fraternity members for hazing

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or their families
• Aim: compensation for damages and institutional accountability
• Burden of proof: “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
• Example: Family suing fraternity, national organization, and university for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death

These proceedings can occur simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. Many families find that civil litigation provides the most comprehensive path to recovery and reform.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Coffee County Families

The hazing incidents that make national headlines aren’t isolated anomalies—they’re predictable patterns that repeat across campuses nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Alabama families recognize systemic failures and legal precedents.

Alcohol Poisoning: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning, leading to multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Following a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. His death sparked Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony.

Why This Matters for Alabama Families: The same fraternities involved in these deaths—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon—have active chapters throughout Alabama. The “Big/Little” drinking night tradition isn’t unique to one campus; it’s a nationwide script that continues despite known risks.

Physical and Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, the pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Why This Matters for Alabama Families: Off-campus retreats and “special events” are common in Alabama Greek life, especially during pledge periods. These locations provide cover for extreme hazing away from campus oversight.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, coach dismissal, and confidential settlements. The case revealed systemic abuse in a major athletic program.

Why This Matters for Alabama Families: With Alabama’s deep athletic traditions, parents should understand that hazing isn’t limited to Greek organizations. Major sports programs can harbor similar abusive dynamics.

The Common Threads for Legal Cases

These national cases establish critical legal precedents that benefit Alabama families:

1. Foreseeability: When national organizations have prior incidents, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
2. Institutional Knowledge: Universities can be liable for patterns they ignored or inadequately addressed
3. Punitive Damages: Particularly egregious conduct or cover-ups can justify punishment beyond compensation
4. Multi-Party Liability: Successful cases typically name multiple defendants: individuals, local chapters, national organizations, housing corporations, and universities

Where Coffee County Students Attend College: Campus-Specific Realities

Coffee County families send their students to universities throughout Alabama and the Southeast. Understanding the specific Greek ecosystems at these schools helps parents recognize risks and patterns.

Auburn University

For Coffee County students: Just a 90-minute drive from Enterprise, Auburn is a popular destination with over 6,000 Greek life participants across 50+ organizations.

Greek System Overview:

• Approximately 35% of undergraduates participate in Greek life
• 34 IFC fraternities, 18 Panhellenic sororities, plus NPHC and multicultural organizations
• Strong tradition of Greek housing along Magnolia Avenue and near campus

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2015): Chapter suspended following hazing allegations involving forced drinking and physical abuse
• Multiple organizations on probation in recent years for alcohol violations and conduct issues
• Transparency challenges: Unlike some states, Alabama doesn’t mandate public hazing logs, making pattern identification difficult

What Auburn Families Should Know:

• Report hazing to the Office of Student Conduct or Auburn University Police
• The university’s relationship with its nationally-ranked athletic programs can create competing priorities
• Off-campus fraternity houses in the “Auburn Creekside” area operate with less university oversight

University of Alabama

For Coffee County students: Many Alabama-bound students from Enterprise and surrounding areas join the state’s flagship Greek system.

Greek System Overview:

• One of the largest Greek systems nationally with deep historical traditions
• 36 IFC fraternities, 23 Panhellenic sororities, plus NPHC organizations
• Multi-million dollar Greek housing along University Boulevard

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2023): Lawsuit filed by pledge alleging traumatic brain injury during hazing
• Multiple chapter suspensions in recent years for alcohol, hazing, and conduct violations
• Historic challenges: UA has faced scrutiny over Greek life culture and integration issues

What Alabama Families Should Know:

• The university’s “Machine” secret society and longstanding traditions can complicate accountability
• Report to the UA Office of Student Conduct or University Police
• Housing corporations and alumni networks provide additional layers of potential liability

Troy University

For Coffee County students: As the closest four-year university to Enterprise, Troy attracts many local students.

Greek System Overview:

• Smaller but active Greek community with 13 social fraternities and sororities
• Growing multicultural Greek presence
• Mix of on-campus and off-campus housing

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• Limited public reporting, but national patterns suggest similar risks exist
• As a regional university, Troy may face different resource challenges for Greek life oversight

What Troy Families Should Know:

• Report to Dean of Students Office or Troy University Police
• Smaller Greek system can mean closer-knit (and potentially more coercive) dynamics
  look for warning signs particularly around bid acceptance periods and initiation weeks

Other Common Destinations for Coffee County Students

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB): Urban campus with different Greek dynamics than traditional residential schools

University of South Alabama: Growing Greek system in Mobile, with typical SEC-style organizations

SEC Schools Throughout the Region: Many Coffee County students attend Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, and other regional universities with strong Greek traditions

Community Colleges: Southern Union State Community College and others feed into four-year Greek systems, where hazing risks emerge upon transfer

National Fraternities & Sororities: The Organizations Behind Alabama Chapters

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing deaths operate chapters throughout Alabama. Their histories create legal precedents that benefit Coffee County families.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National Hazing History:

• Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
• 2023 University of Alabama lawsuit involving traumatic brain injury
• Chemical burns case at Texas A&M where pledges were covered in industrial cleaner
• Historic reputation as “hazing’s deadliest fraternity” despite reforms

Alabama Presence: Active chapters at Auburn, Alabama, Troy, South Alabama, and most SEC schools

Legal Significance: National SAE’s extensive hazing history establishes clear foreseeability—they knew or should have known the risks their chapters posed.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National Hazing History:

• Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
• David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
• Multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths nationwide
• Known “Big/Little” drinking tradition that repeatedly proves fatal

Alabama Presence: Chapters throughout Alabama university system

Legal Significance: Pike’s national pattern of alcohol hazing deaths creates strong negligence arguments when similar incidents occur in Alabama.

Phi Delta Theta

National Hazing History:

• Max Gruver death at LSU sparked felony hazing legislation
• Multiple other alcohol hazing incidents nationwide
• Historic reputation despite anti-hazing reforms

Alabama Presence: Active in Alabama Greek systems

Pi Kappa Phi

National Hazing History:

• Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Our current Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston
• Pattern of physical and alcohol hazing

Relevance to Alabama Families: Demonstrates our active, current experience fighting this exact national organization

NPHC (Divine Nine) Organizations

Important Context: Historically Black Greek-letter organizations have different traditions and histories, but hazing incidents do occur, particularly around physical paddling traditions that nationals officially prohibit but some chapters continue.

Legal Considerations: Similar liability principles apply—national organizations can be responsible for local chapter conduct they knew or should have known about.

Why National Histories Matter for Your Alabama Case

When a fraternity or sorority chapter in Alabama repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, that isn’t coincidence—it’s evidence of systemic failure. For Coffee County families pursuing legal action, these national patterns provide crucial leverage:

1. Foreseeability: National organizations cannot claim “we had no idea this could happen” when similar incidents occurred at other chapters
2. Negligent Supervision: When nationals collect dues, provide materials, and maintain relationships with chapters but fail to prevent known risks
3. Punitive Damages: Particularly egregious patterns of ignoring warnings can justify punishment beyond compensation
4. Insurance Coverage: Multiple incidents establish that hazing isn’t an “accident” but a predictable risk that insurers may try to exclude

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—demonstrates the level of investigative depth we bring to every case. The same methodology applies to Alabama cases: identifying all potentially liable entities, from local chapters to national headquarters to housing corporations.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

For Coffee County families considering legal action, understanding the process helps manage expectations and prepare effectively.

Critical Evidence Collection in the First 48 Hours

Hazing cases are won or lost in the initial evidence preservation period. Follow these steps immediately:

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

• Group Chats: Screenshot entire GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, or fraternity app conversations with timestamps visible
• Social Media: Preserve Instagram stories, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos, Facebook posts showing events or discussions
• Photos/Videos: Save any media showing injuries, events, locations, or participants

• Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Medical Documentation:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Specifically tell providers “this happened during fraternity/sorority hazing” for proper documentation
• Request copies of all records: ER reports, lab results, imaging, discharge instructions
• Follow up with specialists to document ongoing issues

Physical Evidence:

• Preserve clothing worn during incidents (don’t wash)
• Save any objects used (paddles, alcohol containers, props)
• Keep receipts for related expenses

Witness Information:

• Document names and contact information for other pledges, members, or bystanders
• Include roommates, RAs, or others who observed changes or heard discussions

Potential Defendants in Alabama Hazing Cases

Successful hazing litigation typically involves multiple defendants:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an organization (if incorporated)
3. National Organization: Headquarters that set policies, received dues, and supervised the chapter
4. Housing Corporation/Alumni Association: Entities that own or control chapter houses
5. University: For negligent supervision, Title IX violations, or Clery Act failures
6. Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

Types of Recoverable Damages

Alabama law allows recovery for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (tuition, fees, scholarships)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future employment)
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious conduct or cover-ups

The Litigation Process Overview

1. Case Evaluation: We review evidence, identify defendants, assess damages
2. Demand Phase: Present comprehensive demand to responsible parties
3. Negotiation: Most cases settle through mediation or negotiation
4. Litigation (if necessary): Formal discovery, depositions, expert testimony
5. Trial or Settlement: Resolution through trial verdict or pre-trial settlement

Practical Guide for Coffee County Families: Immediate Steps

If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Hazed

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive behavior about organizational activities
• Financial issues: unexpected expenses, requests for money
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
• Academic decline or missed classes

Conversation Starters:

• “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
• “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
• “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
• “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If Hazing Has Already Occurred

Immediate Actions:

1. Medical Care First: Prioritize health over evidence or reporting
2. Evidence Preservation: Follow the 48-hour checklist above
3. Document Everything: Write down what happened while memories are fresh
4. Avoid Critical Mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t sign university waivers, don’t post on social media

Reporting Options:

• Campus Authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
• Local Police: For criminal acts like assault or furnishing alcohol to minors
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous reporting)
• University Anonymous Systems: Many schools have online reporting forms

When to Contact a Lawyer:

• If there are significant injuries or medical expenses
• If the university is minimizing or covering up the incident
• If you want to preserve all legal options
• If insurance companies or adjusters contact you

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats or photos looks like a cover-up
2. Confronting the Organization: Gives them time to destroy evidence and prepare defenses
3. Signing University Agreements: May waive your right to sue or accept inadequate settlements
4. Posting on Social Media: Creates inconsistencies and gives defense attorneys ammunition
5. Waiting for “Internal Resolution”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel: Recorded statements are used against you

Watch our video on client mistakes:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Alabama Families

Can we sue an Alabama university for hazing?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain constitutional claims. Private universities have fewer protections. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.

Is hazing a felony in Alabama?
Currently, hazing is generally a Class C misdemeanor in Alabama, unless it results in serious bodily injury, in which case it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. However, associated crimes like assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter in fatal cases can be felonies.

What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
Alabama law, like Texas law, states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
In Alabama, personal injury claims generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, though the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Wrongful death claims also have a 2-year statute. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

Watch our video on statutes of limitation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

What if the hazing happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be responsible based on their relationship to the chapter, their knowledge of activities, and their duty to supervise recognized organizations.

Will this be public or confidential?
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can negotiate for sealed records and confidentiality agreements to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This makes justice accessible regardless of financial situation.

Watch our video explaining contingency fees:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Your Alabama Hazing Case

Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Experience

While we’re based in Houston, Texas, our hazing litigation expertise transfers directly to Alabama cases. The same national fraternities and sororities, the same insurance companies, the same institutional defense strategies operate nationwide. Our current fight against Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston demonstrates our active, serious approach to hazing litigation.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny or minimize claims—because he used to implement those strategies. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with multi-million dollar insurance carriers.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against the largest institutional defendants. Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets and experienced defense teams—we’ve faced similar opponents before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results:
We have a proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to secure comprehensive recoveries for families.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases—the civil damages pursuit and the criminal exposure that participants may face. This comprehensive perspective benefits families navigating multiple legal tracks.

Investigative Depth:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas—demonstrates the data-driven approach we bring to every case. We identify all potentially liable entities: local chapters, national headquarters, housing corporations, alumni associations, and insurance carriers.

Spanish-Language Services Available:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Alabama and nationwide.

How We Help Alabama Families

For Coffee County families dealing with hazing incidents at Alabama universities, we provide:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: Guiding you through critical first steps before evidence disappears
2. Comprehensive Case Analysis: Identifying all potentially liable parties and insurance coverage
3. Strategic Negotiation: Leveraging national precedents and pattern evidence for maximum recovery
4. Trial Readiness: Preparing every case as if it will go to trial, which improves settlement outcomes
5. Family-Centered Advocacy: Prioritizing your child’s recovery and your family’s privacy throughout the process

Your Next Steps: Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If your child has experienced hazing at an Alabama university or any college nationwide, time is your most critical asset. Evidence disappears quickly—group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, universities control narratives.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We Listen: You’ll tell your story without judgment or interruption
2. We Review Evidence: Bring any photos, messages, medical records, or documentation
3. We Explain Options: Criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, or combination
4. We Answer Questions: Costs, timelines, confidentiality, and realistic expectations
5. No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish for Hispanic families

Serving Coffee County and Beyond

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve hazing victims and families nationwide through:

• Direct representation for cases with Texas connections (national headquarters, Texas-based insurance, etc.)
• Co-counsel arrangements with local Alabama attorneys
• Consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere in the U.S.

For Coffee County families in Enterprise, Elba, New Brockton, Kinston, and throughout the Wiregrass region, we understand the unique college pathways and traditions that bring students to Alabama universities. We’re here to help when those traditions turn toxic.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

NEWS COVERAGE OF OUR ACTIVE HAZING CASE:

• Click2Houston 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/
• ABC13 coverage of the $10M 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
• Statutes of limitation explained: 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

MAIN CONTACT:

• Attorney911 website: https://attorney911.com