Arizona hazing claims
Hazing is a crime in Arizona. It can also be a civil claim.
If you or your child was hurt while joining a fraternity, sorority, team or club, the people and organizations involved may be responsible, even when the injury wasn't severe.
Free and confidential. A call doesn't commit you to anything.
The law
What Arizona law says
Three things worth knowing before you call.
Hazing is a crime
Arizona's hazing law (A.R.S. § 13-1215, known as Jack's Law) took effect in 2022. It covers conduct tied to joining or staying in a group, from forced drinking to physical brutality and sexual humiliation.
Going along with it isn't agreeing
Arizona requires universities' hazing policies to state that a student's consent is not a defense (A.R.S. § 15-2301). Going along with it doesn't make it your fault.
Criminal and civil are separate
A criminal case punishes. A civil claim compensates. A civil claim doesn't need an arrest or a conviction to go forward.
The record
What universities have published
Some universities publish their hazing findings against student organizations. These are public records of what a school found, and when. They are not court judgments, and a claim doesn't depend on one.
Who can be responsible
It's rarely one person
Depending on the facts, a hazing claim can reach more than the people who were in the room.
Individual members
The people who planned, ordered or carried it out.
The local chapter or group
The organization that ran the initiation.
The national organization
Where it knew, or should have known, and did not act.
Property owners and hosts
Where the house or the event made it possible.
The school, in some cases
Subject to the public-entity deadlines above.
Not only Greek life
Athletic teams, clubs, bands, spirit squads and high school programs too.
What happens next
Every case starts with a conversation
You call us
You explain what happened, in your own words, at your own pace. What you tell us is confidential.
We check the deadline and the record
Which clocks apply, when they started, and what has already been published about the group.
We give you clear next steps
You'll know what it would take to move forward. If it isn't a good fit, we tell you plainly.
We explain fees first
We handle hazing cases on contingency. Before you decide anything, we explain how fees and case costs work.
FAQs
Common questions
Can I sue a fraternity for hazing in Arizona?
Often, yes. Depending on the facts, a civil claim can name individual members, the local chapter, the national organization, property owners and, in some cases, the school.
How long do I have?
Two years for most personal-injury claims (A.R.S. § 12-542). Claims against a public university start much sooner: a notice of claim is due within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01), and the lawsuit within one year (A.R.S. § 12-821).
The injury wasn't severe. Is it still worth a call?
Yes. A short call can help you find out where you stand.
Does it matter that I went along with it?
Going along with it isn't agreeing. Arizona requires universities' hazing policies to state that a student's consent is not a defense (A.R.S. § 15-2301).
Call us
Free and confidential. We'll tell you which deadlines apply and what we see.