The legal proceedings in the hazing case at Florida A&M University continue, with CNN announcing this week that twelve former students now face manslaughter charges in the November 2011 hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion Jr.
From which ten were already charged with felony hazing, which resulted in deaths. With manslaughter charges, the defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison with the charge, if convicted. Given the serious situation and the possibility for a significant time period in jail, criminal legal advice is necessary from an experienced criminal lawyer.
“I really find this to be a tactic by the state to pressure all of the defendants into some sort of prison time,” Craig Brown, the attorney for one of the defendants, told CNN.
In this issue, one student indulged in Champion’s death was previously convicted in October of felony hazing, which resulted in death, and he was punished for half a year of community control, 200 hours of community service, and two years of supervised probation.
Moreover, Florida A&M University was put on one-year probation in December for its handling of the hazing incident, and the famed band was suspended for the 2012-13 school year.
How we can help
While the best option is for everyone to avoid being involved in hazing incidents that can lead to much more serious situations, if you find yourself in this type of problems, don’t forget that the specialized advice of an experienced criminal attorney can provide high-quality defense and prevent additional complications.