While college students do receive some degree of leniency towards criminal charges, the University of Florida codifies certain behaviors as being detrimental to the student body. These behaviors are itemized in the UF Conduct Code.
In this article, we’ll go over what happens when you receive a criminal charge as a student.
UF Student Representation
Galigani Law Firm represents students at UF and other state colleges in college disciplinary hearings for both criminal and non-criminal conduct violations. We also help those students fight criminal charges including driving under the influence (DUI) offenses, drug crimes, and domestic violence as well as other alleged activities.
While criminal charges being filed do not necessarily preclude disciplinary action by UF or vice versa, our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys can provide assistance in either situation. You can receive a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and understand your defense options when you contact our firm at (352) 375-0812 or send us a message online.
Information Center
- Understanding the Student Code of Conduct and Student Honor Code
- What Happens When a Student Receives a Criminal Charge?
- UF Disciplinary Hearings
- Possible UF Disciplinary Hearings Penalties
- Additional Resources
- Find a University of Florida Disciplinary Hearings Lawyer in Gainesville
Understanding the Student Code of Conduct and Student Honor Code
Chapter 4.041 of the University of Florida (UF) regulations details the scope and violations of the Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. UF may impose disciplinary action for any alleged violations of the Student Honor Code or Student Conduct Code that occur on the university campus, at housing of any UF organization or group, at activities officially approved by UF or sponsored by or conducted by UF groups or organizations, or any other off-campus violations of local, state, federal, or international law.
Many UF disciplinary hearings stem from criminal charges. It is important to understand that being prosecuted for criminal charges does not mean UF will not pursue a disciplinary hearing, nor does disciplinary action by UF mean you will not face criminal charges.
Generally, the honor code covers things like plagiarism, cheating and non-criminal actions that undermine the academic integrity of the university. On the other hand, the code of conduct covers actions that explicitly or implicitly undermine the safety of the student population.
What Happens When a Student Receives a Criminal Charge?
If a student receives a criminal charge, the next steps depend on where the alleged criminal action occurred. Typically, the university will not take action against the student unless the crime is reported to the university.
Off-Campus Crimes
Crimes that occur off-campus are handled by local law enforcement. The arrest, charge, indictment and sentencing are all handled by the local police and court system.
However, the affected party (especially in cases of sexual assault), may report the crime to the university.
Generally, UF does not take action against the activities of its students off-campus and while not representing the University of Florida. However, in the case of serious crimes that affect the university’s community or reputation, the university may take disciplinary action against the student.
Some of the crimes that the university may take action on if reported include:
On-Campus Crimes
Crimes that occur on-campus are treated with a much higher priority as the university typically knows about the crime immediately. These crimes are typically handled by the University of Florida Police Department and the professional disciplinary departments.
In addition to taking allegations of crime with increased severity, the university also has full jurisdiction to investigate the crime and impose disciplinary actions based on its Student Code of Conduct.
UF Disciplinary Hearings
Students at the University of Florida (UF) who are accused of criminal offenses or violations of the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to a Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR) disciplinary hearing. The possible penalties resulting from a disciplinary hearing can have enormous consequences on a student’s academic career.
If you have received a charge letter about an alleged violation of the UF Student Code of Conduct, it is in your best interest to speak to a Gainesville criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You have the right to legal representation for assistance in defending yourself against alleged code of conduct violations.
Possible UF Disciplinary Hearings Penalties
The severity of the punishment a student faces depends on the nature of the offense and any previous disciplinary actions that may be on their record. Penalties can include:
- Interim Suspension — Student denied access to residence halls, campus (including classes), and/or all other University activities or privileges pending a formal student conduct hearing and after consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs. Students on interim suspension cannot earn credit towards a UF degree from any institution during suspension.
- Deferred Suspension — Student will be officially suspended from the University but may continue to attend classes. Students on deferred suspension are given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the Conduct Code but can be automatically suspended for a minimum of two (2) semesters in addition to the other consequences for any subsequent violation of the Honor Code or Student Conduct Code.
- Suspension — Student is required to leave the University for a designated or indefinite period of time and may not register for or attend any classes at UF while suspended. If a student is suspended and not enrolled for two (2) full semesters, he or she will need to apply for readmission.
- Expulsion — Student is permanently separated from UF and cannot continue at the University in any capacity. Expelled students are also typically trespassed, meaning they are prohibited from entering any UF premises and participating in any UF activity or program without explicit permission.
- Campus or Building Ban — A ban issued by the Dean of Students Office prohibiting a student from being present on any campus property or from specific locations and/or buildings on campus.
- No Contact Order — A directive issued by the Dean of Students Office to refrain from any direct or indirect intentional contact with one or more designated persons or group(s) through any means, including personal contact, e-mail, telephone, social media or third parties.
- Trespass Warning — Warning issued by the University Police Department that prohibits a student from entering any UF premises and participating in any UF activity or program without explicit permission. Violation of a trespass warning can make a student subject to criminal charges and arrest as well as other consequences.
Additional Resources
University of Florida Police Department – To receive an update on your case, speak with an officer or learn more about how the UFPD works, visit their website.
UF Non-Criminal Conduct Violations– To read more about non-criminal conduct violations, including the process for appealing a charge, visit our page on non-criminal conduct violations.
Find a University of Florida Disciplinary Hearings Lawyer in Gainesville
During a UF disciplinary hearing, an attorney cannot verbally present a case but instead acts as an “advisor” to the accused student. Galigani Law Firm has experience with college disciplinary hearings, and we can help you prepare a statement, a witness list, and questions for those witnesses. We will also help you understand the rules and procedures of the hearings as well as how to respond to questions at the hearing.
If you are facing the prospect of a UF disciplinary hearing that is threatening your academic future, let Galigani Law Firm begin building your defense during a free initial consultation. Contact our firm at (352) 375-0812 or send us a message online today so our criminal defense attorneys can help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible for your case.
