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When Hazing Turns into More Serious Criminal Charges

Fort Collins Attempted Sexual Assault Lawyer
When Hazing Turns into More Serious Criminal Charges

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Five college football players were charged with Hazing and possibly Attempted Sexual Assault for trying to sodomize a teammate.

Hazing is charged anytime someone’s health is put in danger for the purpose of initiating them into a student organization. Sometimes the Hazing can cross serious lines and the actions turn into serious criminal charges. A group of college football players is being charged with Hazing after a teammate was physically attacked, duct taped to prevent escape, and taken to another location. The group pulled down the teammate’s pants and attempted to sodomize him with various objects, all while the teammate had a pillowcase over his head. He was beaten before being dropped off at a baseball field. If this had occurred at CSU in Fort Collins, UNC in Greeley, or CU in Boulder, the group would likely be charged with Assault and Sexual Assault along with the Hazing charge.

Larimer County Hazing Attorney: Definition of Hazing

The Larimer, Grand, and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Hazing – C.R.S. 18-9-124 – is:

‘Hazing’ means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States.

By punching and assaulting the teammate, the group’s conduct would meet the requirements of this crime – endangering the health and safety of their teammate. Hazing is charged as a class 3 misdemeanor.

Fort Collins Attempted Sexual Assault Attorney: Definition of Sexual Assault

The Colorado law definition of Sexual Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-402(1)(a) – is:

(1) Any actor who knowingly inflicts sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim commits sexual assault if:

(a) The actor causes submission of the victim by means of sufficient consequence reasonably calculated to cause submission against the victim’s will;

Because the article said they attempted to sodomize the teammate, the charge might Attempted Sexual Assault. When physical force is used to cause submission, it is a class 3 felony. However, the Attempt lowers the charge to a class 4 felony –  a much more serious charge than the class 3 misdemeanor Hazing.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Sexual Assault, Attempted Sexual Assault, or Hazing, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.

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