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.
Galigani Law Firm represents students at UF and other state colleges in college disciplinary hearings. 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.
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:
Any incident is first reported to Student Conduct Committee (SCC). The Director of SCCR then reviews the incident report before deciding to investigate or charge the suspect. If there is enough information to warrant an investigation, a Charge Letter is sent out and appointments are scheduled. The accused student meets with SCCR staff to discuss allegations at the Informational Meeting, and the student chooses the type of hearing format.
If the case is not likely to result in a disciplinary sanction of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion, then the student can opt for an informal hearing with SCCR staff. A decision will be made regarding case after the hearing, and the student has the right to file an appeal to be heard by the Dean of Students if he or she disagrees with the decision.
There are two different formal hearing formats. Under one scenario:
Under the other formal hearing scenario:
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.