Hi there! My name is Attorney Micah Huggins. I am the founder of Huggins Law Firm, P.C.. We have been helping families in our community for over a decade. We are highly rated and have won multiple awards. But awards are not what matter to me. What truly matters is keeping your child safe and protecting their future. We proudly defend folks in Greensboro, Graham, Burlington, Asheboro, High Point, Kernersville, and Winston-Salem.
Our firm was built on a very simple promise: Justice with Integrity. Representation with Heart. At Huggins Law Firm, we believe that great representation goes beyond just knowing the law. It is about standing up for people when the stakes are high, when the odds are heavy, and when the court system feels totally overwhelming.
Founded by me, Attorney Micah E. Huggins, the firm was built on a simple belief: every single client deserves clarity, compassion, and a champion in their corner. Whether you need help with a criminal defense case, a Family Law matter, Estate Planning, or a Personal Injury claim, we bring the exact same level of hard work to every single case.
We do not just file papers or show up in court. We fight with strategy, we counsel with empathy, and we work to restore what has been lost — your dignity, your stability, or your peace of mind.
Fall rush is here. College students are looking for friends, joining fraternities, sororities, and sports teams. But sometimes, joining a group goes terribly wrong. Today, we are talking about hazing. North Carolina recently passed a brand new rule called “Harrison’s Law.” It completely changed how the police handle hazing. Let’s break down exactly what this means for your college student.
What Exactly is Harrison’s Law and How Does It Change Hazing in NC?
For a very long time, North Carolina’s hazing law was pretty weak. The law only cared if someone got physically hurt. It also only treated hazing as a low-level Class 2 misdemeanor.
But then, a new law called “Harrison’s Law” (Session Law 2025-73) was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly. The law is named after Harrison Kowiak, a college student who tragically died from a head injury during a fraternity hazing game. Because of his story, the state decided to get tough on hazing.
Here is what the new law changed:
- Mental Scars Count: The law used to only look for broken bones or bruises. Now, the law says hazing includes causing “serious psychological injury.” This means if a group uses sleep deprivation, extreme embarrassment, or mental torture to haze someone, it is now a major crime.
- Harsher Punishments for Students: If a student helps haze someone (even just by watching and encouraging it), they are now charged with a Class A1 Misdemeanor. This is the highest level of misdemeanor in North Carolina.
- Felony Charges for Adults: If a coach, a teacher, or a school safety officer takes part in hazing, they are instantly charged with a Class I Felony!
How Bad is the Hazing Problem at Colleges in Greensboro and High Point?
Our area is home to amazing schools like UNC Greensboro, High Point University, and North Carolina A&T. Tens of thousands of students live here.
While the schools try hard to keep kids safe, peer pressure is very strong. Let’s look at the real numbers that most people never hear about.
According to national research from StopHazing, more than half of all college students involved in clubs, teams, or Greek life report experiencing some form of hazing. That is a massive number! Locally, the Guilford County Court System is incredibly busy. In recent years, local courts have handled thousands of simple assault and aggravated assault cases.
Before Harrison’s Law, prosecutors often charged hazing as a simple assault because the old hazing law was too weak. According to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, the specific charge of “hazing” was only used three times statewide over several years! But now, with the new, tougher Harrison’s Law, the Greensboro Police Department and campus police are expected to charge hundreds of students with this specific crime.
Can a Student Be Charged if They Just Watched the Hazing Happen?
Yes! This is the biggest trap for college students.
The new law says it is illegal to “aid or abet” hazing. This means if your son or daughter is a member of a fraternity, and they stand in the room while other members force a new pledge to drink too much alcohol, your child can be arrested.
The police will say your child “aided” the hazing by being part of the group and not stopping it. They will be handcuffed, taken to jail, and face a Class A1 misdemeanor just for being in the wrong room at the wrong time.
Will a Hazing Arrest Ruin My Child’s Future?
A Class A1 misdemeanor is very serious. A judge can sentence a student to up to 150 days in jail.
But jail is not the only problem. If your child is arrested for hazing:
- The university will hold a disciplinary hearing. They can kick your child out of school immediately.
- Your child could lose all their federal financial aid and scholarships.
- The arrest goes on their permanent criminal record. When they apply for a job after graduation, the boss will see that they were arrested for a violent crime.
Also, if the person who was hazed gets hurt, their family might sue your child in civil court for money. Because our firm also handles Personal Injury cases, we know exactly how these lawsuits work and how to protect your family’s savings.
How Can Attorney Micah Huggins Protect Your College Student?
When the campus police start investigating a fraternity or a sports team, they will pull students into small rooms and ask them questions. They will try to scare your child into confessing.
You need a champion to step in right away.
At Huggins Law Firm, we know how to handle campus crimes. We look at the facts. We fight the police evidence.
- Did the police properly read your child their rights?
- Was your child actually involved, or just standing nearby?
- Can we prove that your child did not cause any “serious psychological injury”?
We work with the District Attorney. Often, for a first-time mistake, we can find a way to keep the charge off your child’s permanent record. We counsel your family with empathy, so you understand every single step of the process.
Key Takeaways About Harrison’s Law
- It Is Brand New: Harrison’s Law was just passed and makes hazing laws in NC much tougher.
- Mental Harm is Now a Crime: Hazing is no longer just about physical injuries. Causing serious mental or emotional harm during rush is now illegal.
- Guilt by Association: You can be charged with a Class A1 misdemeanor just for “aiding and abetting” the hazing, even if you did not touch anyone.
- Adults Face Felonies: Coaches and school staff can be charged with a Class I felony if they let hazing happen.
- Get Help Fast: If campus police want to talk to your student, politely say no and call Huggins Law Firm immediately.
10 of the Most Common Questions Asked About Hazing Laws in NC
When terrified parents call our office, they ask a lot of the same questions. Here are the top ten questions people ask us about hazing and college arrests, answered in plain English.
1. Does it count as hazing if the person agreed to do it?
Yes. This is a huge misunderstanding. Even if the pledge signs a piece of paper or says, “I want to do this to join the group,” it is still a crime. The law does not care if the victim gave their consent.
2. Can a high school student be charged with hazing?
Yes. Harrison’s Law applies to any student in attendance at any school, college, or university in North Carolina. High school sports teams and marching bands are strictly covered by this law.
3. What if my child is a witness and wants to tell the truth?
North Carolina has a special rule for hazing cases. If the state forces a student to testify in court as a witness against their fraternity brothers, that student usually cannot be indicted or charged for what they confess on the stand.
4. Will the school police notify me if my child is arrested?
If your child is 18 years old, they are a legal adult. The police do not have to call you. However, under the Clery Act and federal rules, the school is sometimes allowed to notify parents if the arrest involves alcohol or drugs.
5. Does Harrison’s Law apply to secret societies?
Yes. The law covers “any organized school group.” It does not matter if it is an official university fraternity, a secret underground club, or an intramural sports team.
6. What counts as “serious psychological injury”?
The new law is broad. Judges will look for mental injuries that last a long time. If the victim has nightmares, has to drop out of school, or needs to see a doctor for severe anxiety because of the hazing, that counts as a serious psychological injury.
7. Can my child be expelled before the criminal trial even happens?
Yes. The university’s student conduct system moves much faster than the real court system. The school can suspend or expel your child using their own rules within a few weeks.
8. Is making pledges wear silly clothes considered hazing?
Under the strict letter of the North Carolina law, it must cause physical or serious psychological injury to be criminal hazing. Making someone wear a silly hat might break school rules, but it usually will not put them in jail.
9. Can the police search my child’s dorm room for hazing evidence?
Usually, campus police need a search warrant signed by a judge to dig through your child’s dorm room, unless your child gives them permission. Always teach your child to say “no” to a search!
10. Why do I need Micah Huggins for a college arrest?
Because we bridge the gap between the scary criminal court and the confusing university system. We know the local prosecutors in Greensboro and High Point. We fight to make sure one bad night at a fraternity house does not destroy your child’s entire future.
Do Not Let Fall Rush Ruin Your Future
College is supposed to be the best time of your life. Do not let a terrible hazing mistake take that away.
The police and the school want to make an example out of students to prove they are tough on crime. But you do not have to fight the system alone.
At Huggins Law Firm, P.C., we stand ready to defend you. We will listen to your story, explain your options clearly, and work tirelessly to protect your freedom and your education.
If you or your child is facing charges in Greensboro, High Point, Graham, Burlington, Asheboro, Kernersville, or Winston-Salem, reach out to us today.
Visit our home page to learn more about how we can help you. Justice with Integrity. Representation with Heart. We are in your corner. Let’s start building your defense today.
