Texas Hazing Guide: What Cuero and DeWitt County Families Need to Know

If Your Child is in a Hazing Emergency Right Now: Call 911, Then Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

For families in Cuero, Yoakum, and across DeWitt County, the nightmare often begins with a phone call or a text message you can’t quite decipher. Your student—maybe at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus—sounds different. Exhausted. Secretive. Perhaps injured. The vibrant young person who left for college seems diminished, carrying a burden they won’t share. You wonder if it’s just the stress of university life, but something feels profoundly wrong. You’re right to trust that instinct.

Right now, in Harris County, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, and 13 fraternity leaders. This $10 million case alleges brutal hazing that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days after being forced through extreme physical abuse, simulated waterboarding, and degrading rituals. As reported in exclusive coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13, this case represents exactly what Texas families fear: a promising student nearly destroyed by traditions that universities and national fraternities failed to stop.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Cuero, Yoakum, Hochheim, and throughout DeWitt County who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what to do if your child is affected. Whether your student attends the University of Houston-Victoria just up Highway 87, Texas A&M in College Station, or any campus across Texas, the patterns are tragically similar. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) victims, and what legal options exist for families seeking accountability and prevention.

Immediate Hazing Emergency Checklist for Cuero Families

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for any medical emergency (intoxication, injury, distress)
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate legal guidance – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

FIRST 48 HOURS – CRITICAL ACTIONS:

Get Medical Attention Immediately: Even if your student insists they’re “fine,” emergency evaluation can reveal internal injuries, kidney damage (like Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis), or alcohol poisoning.
Preserve Digital Evidence: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), social media posts, and photos BEFORE they’re deleted. Use our video guide on documenting evidence with your phone.
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, locations, and names while memories are fresh. Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
Secure Physical Evidence: Save clothing, receipts, or objects used in hazing. Do not wash or alter anything.
Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney: Evidence disappears rapidly. Universities and fraternities move quickly to control narratives. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Do NOT sign anything from the university or insurance company
Do NOT let your child delete messages or “clean up” their phone
Do NOT post details on public social media before consulting an attorney

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many Cuero parents, “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or outdated initiation rituals. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, psychologically complex, and intentionally hidden. Modern hazing represents a calculated abuse of power that leverages technology, psychology, and institutional loopholes to exploit young people seeking belonging.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances while flying under detection radars:

24/7 Digital Servitude: Constant GroupMe demands, required instant responses at all hours, sleep disruption via phone notifications
Geo-Tracking Control: Mandatory location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social Isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for outside socialization
“Optional” Mandates: Activities framed as voluntary but carrying implicit social consequences for non-participation

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)
When subtle control normalizes compliance, organizations escalate:

Sleep Deprivation Warfare: 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings,” multi-day events with minimal rest
Nutritional Abuse: Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Public Humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, degrading costumes, social media shaming
Digital Exploitation: Livestreamed degradation, meme-based ridicule in group chats

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
These are the acts that cause hospitalization and death:

Forced Alcohol Consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, coerced binge drinking
Physical Torture: Paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics to collapse (like Bermudez’s 100+ push-ups/500 squats)
Environmental Abuse: Exposure to extreme cold/heat, chemical exposure (like SAE’s industrial cleaner burns at Texas A&M)
Sexualized Degradation: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, coercive sexual situations

The New Hazing Playbook: How Organizations Avoid Detection

The “Retreat” Strategy: Moving violent hazing to Airbnbs, rural properties, or off-campus houses (like Pi Kappa Phi’s Culmore Drive residence in the Bermudez case)
Digital Cleanup Protocols: Automatic message deletion, encrypted apps, coached responses if investigated
“Wellness” Disguises: Framing abuse as “team building,” “fitness challenges,” or “character development”
Alumni Shield: Using graduated members as plausible deniability layers

Texas Hazing Law: What DeWitt County Families Must Understand

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes, but their effectiveness depends on enforcement. For families in Cuero and DeWitt County, understanding these laws is the first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Framework

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of affiliation with any organization whose members include students.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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 (like the charges possible in the Bermudez case)

§ 37.155 Critical Provision – Consent is NOT a Defense: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law recognizes that power imbalances and peer pressure invalidate true consent.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases: Dual Pathways to Justice

Criminal Cases (State Prosecution):

Brought by county/district attorneys
Focus: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Examples: Hazing charges, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors
Cuero/DeWitt Context: These cases would typically be prosecuted in the county where the hazing occurred, not necessarily DeWitt County

Civil Cases (Family-Led Lawsuits):

Brought by victims or surviving families
Focus: Compensation and institutional accountability
Examples: Wrongful death, negligence, emotional distress
Our Expertise: We handle civil hazing litigation, like the ongoing Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires universities receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention programming
Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, gender-based hostility, or sexual assault, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.

National Hazing Patterns: What Texas Cases Reveal

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH isn’t an isolated incident. It follows patterns established in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Cuero families recognize warning signs and build stronger cases.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script: Repeated Tragedies

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” event
Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 Million Settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU

Max Gruver – LSU (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
Louisiana’s Response: “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017):

Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother” night
Pledge given handle of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
Impact: FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

Physical Hazing Patterns: From Paddling to Permanent Injury

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 Million Lawsuit: Highlighted physical abuse beyond alcohol

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

Phi Gamma Delta “pledge dad reveal”
Forced excessive alcohol consumption
Severe Permanent Brain Damage: Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 Defendants: Multi-million dollar resolutions

What These Patterns Mean for Cuero Families

Foreseeability: National fraternities KNOW these risks from prior incidents
Scripted Behavior: Same “traditions” recur across chapters nationwide
Institutional Failure: Universities often react after tragedy rather than prevent it
Legal Precedent: Previous settlements and verdicts establish case values and strategies

Texas University Focus: Where DeWitt County Students Face Risk

Cuero and DeWitt County families send students to campuses across Texas. Each has its own Greek life culture, risk patterns, and institutional responses.

University of Houston-Victoria (UHV): The Local Connection

For Cuero Families: Located just 30 miles north via US-87, UHV represents the most immediate campus connection for many DeWitt County students.

Campus Reality:

Growing Greek life presence
Proximity to larger Greek ecosystems in Houston and San Antonio
Students often participate in events at main UH campus or other schools

Legal Considerations:

As part of the University of Houston System, UHV operates under the same policies that failed Leonel Bermudez
Cases may involve both UHV administration and main UH System oversight

Practical Advice for UHV Families:

Cross-Campus Awareness: Events at main UH or other campuses still create liability
System-Wide Policies: Understand that UH System policies apply regardless of campus
Local Resources: Victoria legal venues may be involved in cases originating locally

University of Houston Main Campus: Ground Zero for Current Litigation

The Bermudez Case Anchor:
Our ongoing litigation reveals systemic issues:

Multiple Hazing Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization
Organizational Web: 13 individual defendants plus UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025, charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

UH Greek Life Reality:

50+ fraternity and sorority chapters
Multiple governing councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)
Documented prior incidents including Pi Kappa Alpha lacerated spleen case (2016)

For Cuero Families with Students at UH:

Recognize the Patterns: The Bermudez case shows what can happen
Understand University Dynamics: UH faces competing pressures – student safety vs. Greek life traditions
Legal Venues: Harris County courts and federal Southern District of Texas handle these cases

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Corps of Cadets Context:

Military-style environment with documented hazing incidents
2023 lawsuit alleged “roasted pig” bondage, simulated sexual acts
Cultural Challenge: Tradition often conflicts with safety

Fraternity Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns: $1 million lawsuit, skin grafts required
Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Ongoing pattern recognition issues

For DeWitt County Aggie Families:

Corps vs. Greek Risk: Both environments present hazards
Brazos County Jurisdiction: Legal proceedings typically in Bryan/College Station
University Response Pattern: A&M often handles internally before legal escalation

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Public Hazing Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent violation databases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Forced milk consumption, extreme calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for physical hazing
Pattern: Repeated violations despite sanctions

Legal Environment:

Travis County courts experience with university cases
SAE Incident (2024): Australian exchange student assault, $1M+ lawsuit

Practical Considerations:

Use the Public Record: UT’s hazing log provides evidence of prior notice
Austin Legal Landscape: Experienced with institutional litigation
University Resources: Larger legal staff means more sophisticated defense

Other Texas Campuses DeWitt County Students Attend

Texas State University (San Marcos):

Growing Greek system
Proximity to Austin Greek culture
Hazing incidents in spirit organizations and fraternities

Victoria College & Regional Options:

Local community college connections
Students may participate in Greek life at nearby universities
Liability can follow involvement regardless of home campus

The Texas Greek Organization Network: Public Records Reality

For Cuero families, understanding that fraternities and sororities are not just social clubs but legal entities with assets, insurance, and organizational structures is crucial. Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records on hundreds of Texas Greek organizations.

Public Records Directory: Greek Entities Serving Texas Students

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Sample Listings):
These are legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) that may carry insurance or assets:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC
- EIN: 133048786
- Address: 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION
- EIN: 371768785
- Address: 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC
- EIN: 462267515
- Address: 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing (Related to UH chapter house)
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
- EIN: 741380362
- Address: PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON VICTORIA
- EIN: 900293167
- Address: 3001 N Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901-0000
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing

Victoria Metro Area Greek Presence:
While Victoria isn’t a major Greek hub, our data shows:

10+ Greek-related organizations in the Victoria metro area
Connections to larger Houston and San Antonio Greek networks
Alumni chapters serving DeWitt County graduates

Why This Directory Matters for Cuero Families

Insurance Identification: These entities often carry liability policies
Asset Discovery: Legal entities can be pursued for judgments
Organizational Mapping: Shows connections between local chapters and national networks
Prior Notice Evidence: Documented organizations can’t claim “we didn’t exist”

National Fraternities with Texas Chapters: Pattern Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National Pattern: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Prior Texas Incidents: UH lacerated spleen case (2016)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Texas Incidents: A&M chemical burns lawsuit, UT Austin assault case

Pi Kappa Phi:

National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Current Texas Litigation: Our Bermudez case against UH chapter
Organizational Response: Chapter suspended then closed (Nov 2025)

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

When hazing affects your DeWitt County family, understanding the legal process helps manage expectations and make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence Categories for Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage screenshots (preserve immediately)
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok evidence
Location Data: Geo-tracking, Find My Friends history
Deleted Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages

Medical Documentation:

Immediate Care: ER records, ambulance reports, toxicology results
Specialist Evaluation: Kidney function tests (critical for rhabdomyolysis), psychological assessment
Ongoing Treatment: Physical therapy, mental health care records

Institutional Records:

University Files: Prior conduct violations, sanction history
National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, prior incident reports
Insurance Policies: Liability coverage information

Witness Networks:

Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
Former members (may have left due to similar experiences)
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

The Attorney911 Investigative Approach

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-7 Days)

Digital forensic collection before deletion
Witness interviews while memories are fresh
Medical record collection and expert consultation

Phase 2: Institutional Discovery (1-3 Months)

Public records requests for university files
Preservation letters to fraternity nationals
Insurance coverage investigation

Phase 3: Case Development (3-9 Months)

Expert retention: medical, toxicology, Greek life culture
Damage calculation: economic and non-economic
Settlement demand preparation

Phase 4: Litigation or Resolution (9-24 Months)

Negotiation with institutional defendants
Mediation or settlement conferences
Trial preparation if necessary

Realistic Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunity (tuition, delayed graduation)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Subjective):

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Family emotional trauma

Recent Texas-Relevant Settlements:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 Million total
Texas A&M SAE Chemical Burns: $1 Million lawsuit
UH Pi Kappa Phi (Bermudez): $10 Million demand (ongoing)

Practical Guide for DeWitt County Families: From Suspicion to Resolution

For Cuero Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Behavioral Red Flags:

Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme fatigue inconsistent with academic demands
Financial pressure unexplained by normal expenses
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, depression

Digital Monitoring Tips (Respectful but Vigilant):

Notice constant phone checking/anguish about group chats
Observe social media content changes
Note location sharing demands from organizations

The Conversation Approach:

Non-Judgmental Opening: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted/stressed about [organization]…”
Safety-First Framing: “My only concern is your safety and wellbeing…”
Specific Inquiry: “Has anyone asked you to do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
Exit Strategy Discussion: “If you ever want to leave, I’ll support you completely.”

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Self-Assessment Questions:

Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would I hide this from my parents, professors, or university officials?
Are only new members required to participate?

Safe Exit Strategies:

Medical Emergency Leverage: “I need to go to the hospital” creates immediate exit
Parental Intervention: “My parents found out and are making me quit”
University Reporting: Anonymous reporting can trigger protective measures
Attorney Guidance: We can help negotiate safe exits with organizational representatives

Evidence Collection (If Safe):

Discreet Documentation: Voice memos, covert photos
Digital Preservation: Screenshot then backup to cloud
Witness Identification: Note who was present
Medical Attention: Even minor injuries create documentation trail

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Digital Evidence

Why: Looks like cover-up, destroys best evidence
Solution: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization

Why: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching
Solution: Document quietly, consult attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

Why: Often includes liability waivers, low settlements
Solution: “I need to have my attorney review this first”

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Disclosure

Why: Defense attorneys monitor, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Private documentation only initially

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University “Investigation”

Why: Evidence disappears, statutes run, narrative controlled
Solution: Parallel legal action while university investigates

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

Why Attorney911 for DeWitt County Hazing Cases

When your Cuero family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active High-Stakes Litigation:
We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing lawsuit that represents exactly what Texas families fear. We’re not theorizing about hazing litigation; we’re doing it right now in Houston federal court.

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 insurance companies:

Value (and systematically undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate behind closed doors

Complex Institutional Experience:
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and major universities don’t intimidate us—we understand their playbooks.

Our Investigative Methodology for Texas Cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain detailed records on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

IRS B83 registered entities (like those listed earlier)
University chapter relationships
National organization connections
Prior incident patterns

This means when we take your DeWitt County case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

What legal entities exist behind the Greek letters
What insurance policies likely apply
What prior incidents similar organizations have faced
What defenses they’re likely to raise

Multi-Disciplinary Expert Network:

Medical Experts: Rhabdomyysis specialists, kidney injury experts, PTSD psychologists
Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Greek Life Culture Experts: Understanding organizational dynamics
Economists: Calculating lifetime impacts of injuries

How We Serve Cuero and DeWitt County Families

Geographic Reach:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including DeWitt County. Distance doesn’t hinder effective representation in the digital age.

Initial Consultation Process:

Phone Assessment: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Evidence Review: We’ll explain what to preserve and how
Strategy Discussion: Criminal vs. civil options, university reporting considerations
Realistic Expectations: No false promises, just honest assessment

Contingency Fee Structure:
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures access to justice regardless of financial means. Learn more in our contingency fee explanation video.

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña provides fluent Spanish consultations for DeWitt County’s Hispanic community.

Your Next Steps: From Concern to Action

If You Suspect Hazing Is Happening

Week 1 Actions:

Document Everything: Dates, observations, concerning statements
Open Dialogue: Non-confrontational conversation with your student
Professional Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for strategy guidance
University Inquiry: General questions about organizational oversight

If Hazing Has Already Occurred

Immediate Legal Consultation:
Time is your enemy in hazing cases. Within days:

Group chats are deleted
Witnesses are coached
Universities begin internal containment
Physical evidence disappears

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for:

Evidence preservation instructions
University communication guidance
Medical evaluation referrals
Crisis management strategy

If You’re Considering a Lawsuit

Understand the Timeline:

Texas Statute of Limitations: Generally 2 years from injury, but exceptions apply
Evidence Decay: Digital evidence becomes unrecoverable quickly
Witness Reliability: Memories fade, students graduate

Realistic Expectations:

Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity
University and fraternity resistance is guaranteed
The process requires emotional stamina

Frequently Asked Questions for DeWitt County Families

“Can we sue if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Yes. Location doesn’t eliminate liability. The Pi Delta Psi case (Baruch College retreat) and our Bermudez case (multiple off-campus locations) successfully pursued off-campus hazing.

“What if our student ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure invalidate true consent.

“How long will a case take?”
Simple cases: 12-18 months. Complex cases like Bermudez: 2-3+ years. Most settle before trial.

“Will this be public?”
Most settlements are confidential. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What about criminal charges?”
We can coordinate with prosecutors while pursuing civil remedies. The cases are separate but related.

“How much does this cost?”
Contingency fee—no upfront costs. We invest in your case and are paid only if we recover compensation.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Confidential Consultation

For Cuero, Yoakum, and DeWitt County families facing the nightmare of hazing, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and crisis managers. You deserve equivalent advocacy.

Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:

Ralph Manginello: (713) 528-9070
Lupe Peña: (713) 443-4781

Email Consultations:

ralph@atty911.com
lupe@atty911.com (Spanish available)

Website: https://attorney911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

Patient Listening: We’ll hear your complete story without judgment
Evidence Assessment: Review what documentation exists
Options Explanation: Civil, criminal, university processes
Realistic Timeline: What to expect in coming weeks/months
Fee Transparency: Clear explanation of contingency structure
No Pressure: Take time to decide after our consultation

The students of DeWitt County deserve college experiences that build them up, not break them down. When traditions become torture and bonding becomes brutality, legal accountability isn’t just about compensation—it’s about preventing the next family from enduring this pain.

Plain Text Resources for Cuero Families

News Coverage of Current UH Hazing Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fee Explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Information:

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

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Texas hazing law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case depends on specific facts and circumstances. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a qualified Texas attorney. The outcome of any case depends on many factors, including the specific facts, applicable law, and evidence availability. We cannot guarantee specific results in any matter.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Texas Personal Injury & Complex Litigation
Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Serving Cuero, DeWitt County, and All of Texas