Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Parents in the Village of Hillcrest

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

For parents in the Village of Hillcrest, sending your child off to college should be filled with pride and excitement, not fear and uncertainty. Yet right now, in our own state, families are facing the devastating reality of campus hazing—a reality we know intimately because we’re living it through our clients.

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 fraternity leaders. During his fall 2025 pledge period, Leonel was subjected to what can only be described as systematic torture: forced to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, subjected to brutal physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and made to lie in vomit-soaked grass during cold-weather exposure.

The result? Rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This isn’t a story from some distant campus; this happened at the University of Houston, just an hour’s drive from the Village of Hillcrest.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Brazoria County and the Village of Hillcrest whose children attend Texas universities. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at campuses across our state, and most importantly—what you can do if your family faces this nightmare.

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 your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- 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 us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many Hillcrest parents imagine hazing as harmless pranks or excessive partying. The reality in 2025 is far more sophisticated and dangerous. Hazing has evolved into systematic abuse designed to break down individuals while evading detection. Our work on the Bermudez case revealed tactics that include:

Digital Control & Surveillance:

24/7 monitoring through GroupMe, WhatsApp, or fraternity-specific apps
Mandatory location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Instant response requirements to messages at all hours, including 3 AM
Social media policing—controlling what pledges can post or share

Psychological Warfare Disguised as “Tradition”:

The “pledge fanny pack” system Leonel endured, where failure to carry humiliating items meant punishment
Forced confession sessions framed as “interviews” or “brotherhood building”
Systematic sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” and early-morning workouts
Social isolation from non-member friends and family

Physical Abuse Disguised as “Conditioning”:

Extreme calisthenics far beyond normal workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
“Save-your-brother” drills and wheelbarrow races until collapse
Cold weather exposure in minimal clothing
Forced consumption of unpalatable foods or substances until vomiting

Sexualized Humiliation:

Simulated waterboarding with hose spraying
Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
Degrading costumes or role-playing
Recording of humiliating acts for group entertainment

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

Texas Fraternity & Sorority Life:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities at all major Texas campuses
Panhellenic sororities with “new member education” that crosses lines
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” organizations
Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Military-Style Programs:

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (with its own documented hazing cases)
ROTC programs across Texas campuses
Service academy preparatory programs

Athletic Teams & Spirit Organizations:

Varsity sports teams, particularly football, basketball, and baseball
Cheer and dance teams
Marching bands and pep bands
“Spirit groups” like Texas Cowboys at UT or similar tradition-keeping organizations

Academic & Performance Groups:

Honors societies and leadership organizations
Debate teams and mock trial
A cappella groups and theater organizations

The common thread? Any group with initiation rituals, power imbalances between new and established members, and a culture of secrecy can become a hazing environment.

Texas Hazing Law: What Village of Hillcrest Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, designed specifically to protect students like those from Hillcrest attending our state universities. Under Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code:

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, OR
Involves brutality, degradation, or excessive ridicule

Critical provisions for Hillcrest families:

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means even if your child “agreed” to participate, the perpetrators can still be prosecuted.

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offenses (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing in good faith or seek medical attention for victims are immune from civil liability and university discipline related to underage drinking or other minor violations that occurred during the incident.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges

While criminal prosecution handles punishment, civil lawsuits address compensation and institutional accountability. In Texas, multiple parties can face liability:

Individual Perpetrators:

The students who planned, organized, or carried out hazing
Those who supplied alcohol to minors
Members who participated in covering up incidents

Local Chapters & Organizations:

The fraternity or sorority chapter itself (if incorporated)
Chapter officers who knew or should have known about hazing
Housing corporations that own facilities where hazing occurs

National Headquarters:

Organizations that receive dues, provide charters, and establish policies
Entities that failed to adequately supervise or train chapters
Nationals with prior knowledge of hazing patterns at specific chapters

Universities & Governing Boards:

Public institutions like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin
Private universities like SMU and Baylor
Entities that knew about hazing risks and failed to take reasonable preventative measures

Third Parties:

Property owners who rent to chapters knowing hazing occurs
Alcohol providers under dram shop liability theories
Security companies failing to protect students

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

Title IX Implications:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, federal Title IX requirements trigger additional reporting and investigation obligations. Universities receiving federal funds must:

Designate Title IX coordinators
Investigate sexualized hazing promptly
Provide accommodations and support services to victims

Clery Act Requirements:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires universities to:

Report hazing incidents in annual crime statistics when they involve criminal acts
Issue timely warnings about ongoing threats
Maintain public crime logs accessible to families

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Publicly report hazing incidents and investigations
Implement comprehensive hazing prevention education
Maintain transparent records of violations and sanctions
Phase in requirements through 2026, increasing accountability nationwide

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State University (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, leaving behind a $10 million settlement that included $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and approximately $3 million from the university. For Hillcrest families, this case demonstrates that even with national anti-hazing policies, chapters continue dangerous traditions.

Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi, Penn State (2017):
After consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol during a bid acceptance night, Piazza suffered multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The case resulted in criminal charges against 18 members and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This shows how cover-up culture can turn bad situations fatal.

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017):
During a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking, Gruver consumed lethal amounts of alcohol, reaching a 0.495% BAC. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony. The case underscores how seemingly “fun” games can have deadly consequences.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Pi Delta Psi, Baruch College (2013):
At a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal traumatic brain injuries while fraternity members delayed emergency response. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – Phi Gamma Delta, University of Missouri (2021):
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, Santulli was forced to consume excessive alcohol, suffering severe, permanent brain damage that left him unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants in what became a national example of catastrophic non-fatal hazing injury.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years, resulting in head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing, multiple lawsuits against the university, and confidential settlements. This demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into multi-million dollar athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Hillcrest Families

These national precedents matter because:

Pattern Evidence: When the same fraternity engages in similar conduct at a Texas school, national headquarters can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Settlement Benchmarks: Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements establish what serious cases are worth
Legal Strategies: Successful approaches in other states inform Texas litigation
Institutional Accountability: Universities nationwide are being held responsible for failing to protect students

Texas Focus: Where Hillcrest Families Send Their Children

The Local Connection: Brazoria County’s University Pipeline

Families in the Village of Hillcrest and throughout Brazoria County typically send students to:

Primary University Destinations:

University of Houston (60-minute drive from central Brazoria County)
Texas A&M University (90-minute drive)
University of Texas at Austin (3-hour drive)
Sam Houston State University (2-hour drive)
Houston-area campuses (UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown, Rice, Texas Southern)

Community College Pathways:

Alvin Community College
Brazosport College
Houston Community College system

Many Hillcrest students begin at local community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions, particularly UH and Texas A&M.

University of Houston: Houston’s Flagship Campus

Campus & Safety Context for Hillcrest Families:
UH serves as the most accessible major university for Brazoria County students, with thousands commuting daily from our area. The campus maintains its own police department (UHPD) with jurisdiction over university property, while the Houston Police Department handles off-campus incidents.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:
The University of Houston defines hazing broadly under Section 6.02 of the Student Code of Conduct, prohibiting any action that “endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student” for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office: (713) 743-5478
UHPD: (713) 743-3333
Online reporting through the UH Safe website
Anonymous reporting via the UH Ethics Hotline

Recent UH Hazing Incidents:
Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi (2025): Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit alleges systematic hazing involving forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025.

Pi Kappa Alpha Incident (2016): A pledge suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table during hazing rituals. The chapter faced misdemeanor charges and university suspension.

UH’s Greek Life Landscape:
Based on official university rosters, UH hosts:

17 Interfraternity Council fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon
6 Panhellenic sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, and Delta Gamma
9 National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations
6 Multicultural Greek Council fraternities and 6 sororities

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Hillcrest Families:

Initial Reporting: Typically to UHPD or Dean of Students
University Investigation: Student Conduct Office conducts internal review
Criminal Investigation: Houston Police Department if off-campus or involving serious crimes
Civil Litigation: Filed in Harris County District Courts
Potential Venues: Cases may be heard in downtown Houston courthouses accessible to Hillcrest families

What UH Students from Hillcrest Should Do:

Document everything immediately using our video guide on evidence preservation
Report to both UHPD (for on-campus incidents) and HPD (for off-campus incidents)
Request medical records from any Houston-area hospitals (Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, UT Physicians)
Contact an attorney familiar with Harris County courts and UH’s internal processes

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

Distance from Hillcrest: Approximately 90 miles (90-minute drive)
Primary Connection: Many Brazoria County students choose A&M for engineering, agriculture, and business programs

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:
The 2023 lawsuit alleging a cadet was bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth during degrading hazing rituals resulted in a $1+ million demand and university disciplinary action. This case demonstrates that hazing extends beyond Greek life into Texas A&M’s most iconic institution.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years, and litigation sought $1 million in damages.

Texas A&M’s Hazing Transparency:
Unlike UT Austin’s public violations log, A&M maintains more discretion in hazing disclosures. However, the university maintains strict policies under Student Rule 24.4.1 and investigates through the Student Conduct Office.

A&M Greek Life for Hillcrest Students:
With 19 IFC fraternities and 14 Panhellenic sororities, A&M represents one of Texas’s largest Greek systems. Organizations with documented national hazing histories present at A&M include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Foltz death at BGSU)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple deaths nationwide)
Phi Delta Theta (Gruver death at LSU)
Kappa Sigma (multiple injury cases)

Logistics for Hillcrest Families with A&M Cases:

Bryan/College Station police handle off-campus incidents
Brazos County courts would hear criminal cases
Civil litigation typically filed in Brazos County District Courts
Travel considerations for Hillcrest families: 180-mile round trip for court appearances

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Tradition

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu, listing organizations, violations, and sanctions. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in chapter probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose, with litigation seeking over $1 million.

UT’s Greek Ecosystem:
Approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters operate at UT, including organizations with concerning national histories. The university’s size and Greek life prominence create both opportunity and risk for Hillcrest students.

Legal Considerations for Hillcrest Families:

Travis County courts have jurisdiction over UT-related cases
UTPD handles on-campus incidents, Austin PD handles off-campus
The 3-hour drive from Hillcrest requires planning for meetings and court dates
UT’s sovereign immunity as a public institution affects litigation strategy

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

While fewer Hillcrest students may attend these private institutions, they represent important parts of Texas’s higher education landscape:

SMU’s 2017 Kappa Alpha Order Incident: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep, resulting in chapter suspension until 2021.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, part of broader institutional challenges following the university’s sexual assault scandal.

Private university status affects liability considerations, with fewer sovereign immunity protections but potentially more discretion in internal investigations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations Serving Hillcrest Families

Our Investigative Advantage

While many law firms start from scratch, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records, including:

IRS B83 Records – 125+ Texas-Registered Entities:
These tax-exempt organizations form the backbone of Greek life infrastructure across our state. Examples relevant to Hillcrest families include:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629
(IRS B83 filing – housing corporation for the UH chapter in our Bermudez case)

Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta
EIN: 824398421 | Richmond, TX 77406-2017
(IRS B83 filing – fraternity entity in Fort Bend County)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627-8843
(IRS B83 filing – Southeast Texas chapter)

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
(IRS B83 filing – educational foundation)

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter
EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204-3067
(IRS B83 filing – University of Houston chapter)

Cause IQ Metro Analysis – 1,423 Organizations Statewide:
Our research identifies Greek organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas, including:

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 organizations

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth)
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corporation (UT Austin)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (UT Austin)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (UT Austin)

Texas Universities Database – 96 Campuses:
We track Greek life presence across Texas’s higher education landscape, from major flagships to regional campuses.

Why This Data Matters for Hillcrest Families

When your child is hazed, you need answers to critical questions:

Who actually owns the fraternity house?
What insurance policies cover the organization?
What prior incidents has the national headquarters documented?
How is the local chapter connected to broader networks?

Our database helps answer these questions immediately, rather than spending months in discovery. For example, in the Bermudez case, we identified not just the active chapter members but also:

The housing corporation that owns the property
The national headquarters’ financial relationships
Prior incident reports in Pi Kappa Phi’s risk management files
Insurance carriers and policy limits

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What Hillcrest Families Can Expect

Evidence Collection: The Digital Battlefield

Group Chats & Messaging Apps:

GroupMe: The most common platform for fraternity/sorority communication
WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Encrypted apps favored for sensitive communications
iMessage/SMS: Text chains among members
Discord/Slack: Organized communication servers
Fraternity-specific apps: Custom platforms with member-only access

Preservation Protocol for Hillcrest Parents:

Immediate Screenshots: Capture full threads with timestamps and sender names visible
Cloud Backup: Upload to iCloud, Google Drive, or email to yourself
Device Preservation: Do NOT delete apps or reset phones
Forensic Recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram Stories documenting hazing events (disappear after 24 hours)
Snapchat Snaps and Memories
TikTok videos of challenges or dares
Facebook posts and Messenger conversations
Location tags and check-ins establishing where events occurred

Physical Evidence:

Photograph injuries immediately and over several days to show progression
Preserve clothing with stains, tears, or other damage
Secure objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Document locations with exterior and interior photos

Medical Documentation:

ER records from Houston-area hospitals (Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, St. Luke’s)
Lab results showing alcohol levels, kidney function, muscle enzymes
Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Follow-up care records from specialists

The Damages Framework: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs
Property damage

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological trauma
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ grief and suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):
Designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing

Available when defendants show gross negligence or intentional misconduct
Subject to Texas statutory caps in most cases
Often pursued when organizations had prior knowledge and failed to act

Our Strategic Approach: Why Experience Matters

Insurance Insider Knowledge:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unprecedented insight into how fraternity and university insurers:

Value and undervalue claims
Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation prepared us for battles against well-funded, sophisticated defendants. We understand how to:

Navigate multi-party litigation with dozens of defendants
Manage complex document discovery across multiple organizations
Work with expert networks spanning medical, economic, and Greek life specialties
Handle federal court procedures when Title IX or constitutional claims apply

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
With Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we can:

Advise clients on parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Represent witnesses or former members facing criminal exposure
Navigate plea agreements that affect civil liability
Understand how criminal convictions strengthen civil cases

Practical Guide for Hillcrest Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress eating
Sleep deprivation symptoms (dark circles, dozing in daytime)
Injuries to hands, back, or legs consistent with paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns or unusual skin conditions

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, high school friends, or non-member activities
Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting brothers in trouble”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly without explanation
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Skipping exams or assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior Patterns:

Constant phone checking for group chat updates
Anxiety when phone buzzes, especially at odd hours
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
New location-sharing apps (Find My Friends, Life360) at group’s request
Social media posts showing concerning or humiliating activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational Approach)

“How are you enjoying your involvement with [organization]?”
“Are members respectful of your academic commitments and sleep?”
“What kinds of activities do new members participate in?”
“Has anything made you uncomfortable or worried about safety?”
“Have you or anyone else been injured during activities?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are you being asked to keep secrets from family or the university?”

48-Hour Action Plan for Hillcrest Parents

HOUR 1–6 (CRISIS RESPONSE):

Get medical attention immediately at nearest Houston-area ER if injured
Remove your child from dangerous situations
Screenshot any messages shown to you
Photograph visible injuries with multiple angles
Write detailed notes of what you’re told (date, time, specifics)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

Help your child preserve all digital communications (DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING)
Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Request medical records from hospitals or clinics
Document witness names and contact information
Note any university communications but don’t respond yet without legal advice

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

Consult with experienced hazing attorneys (we offer free consultations)
Decide on reporting to campus police, local police, or both
Refer university communications to your attorney
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without counsel
Backup all evidence to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Your Child Delete Evidence: What seems like protecting privacy actually looks like obstruction of justice and makes cases nearly impossible to prove.
Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers immediate lawyer involvement, evidence destruction, witness coaching, and defense preparation.
Signing University “Resolution” Agreements: Universities often pressure families into quick settlements that waive rights and accept minimal compensation.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility and can waive legal privileges.
Waiting for University Investigations: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run while universities control narratives.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlement offers are typically lowball amounts.
Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure session to extract statements or secure waivers.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Families Choose Us

Our Texas Roots & Hazing Litigation Commitment

We’re not just another personal injury firm. We’re Texas attorneys who understand the specific challenges Hillcrest families face when hazing disrupts lives. Our involvement in the Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi isn’t theoretical—it’s active, ongoing litigation that demonstrates our commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

Value and reserve hazing claims
Use Independent Medical Exams to minimize injuries
Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under policy exclusions
As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. That experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

National fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
University legal teams with taxpayer funding
Multi-layered insurance coverage battles
Sophisticated defense strategies designed to wear down families

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We’ve recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force serious settlement discussions rather than lowball offers.

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:
With Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership and criminal defense experience, we understand how:

Criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
To advise witnesses or former members facing potential exposure
Parallel proceedings affect strategy and timing
Plea agreements can impact civil liability

Investigative Depth & Resources:
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When you hire us, you’re not starting from scratch. We already know:

Which entities own fraternity properties
What insurance carriers cover organizations
Prior incident histories with national headquarters
How local chapters connect to broader networks

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas without language barriers.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Free Initial Consultation:
We listen to your story, review any evidence you’ve preserved, explain your legal options, and help you understand realistic timelines and outcomes. No pressure to hire us immediately.

Contingency Fee Structure:
We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests with yours and ensures access to justice regardless of financial means.

Regular Communication:
We update clients every 2-3 weeks on case progress, explain developments in plain English, and make ourselves available for questions. You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case.

Comprehensive Investigation:
We deploy our full resources including:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Subpoenas for university and fraternity records
Expert consultations (medical, economic, Greek life specialists)
Witness interviews and evidence collection

Strategic Litigation Approach:
We build cases for trial from day one, because that’s what forces serious settlement discussions. We’re not afraid to take cases to court when institutions refuse accountability.

Call to Action for Hillcrest Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone. The road to accountability begins with a conversation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1 888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Your Free Consultation Includes:

Confidential review of your specific situation
Explanation of Texas hazing laws and your rights
Strategic assessment of legal options
Discussion of evidence preservation needs
Realistic timeline and outcome expectations
No obligation to hire us

Serving Hillcrest & All of Texas:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Brazoria County, the Village of Hillcrest, and surrounding communities. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help—we handle cases across the state.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Educational YouTube Videos:

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

News Coverage of Our UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

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.

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