University of Florida freshmen should know their rights, says Gainesville criminal defense lawyer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Dec. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- University of Florida freshmen recently completed their first semester of college and students have headed home for the holidays. Some will return home with memories of parties, joining a fraternity or sorority and integrating into college life. However, some will carry the burden of an arrest, which could affect a student's future, said Gainesville student defense lawyer Dean Galigani.

"When a UF student faces any kind of criminal accusation, whether it be minor in possession or sexual assault, he or she may face proceedings both in the Alachua County Criminal Justice Center and at the University," Galigani said. "Either situation has the potential to end an academic career and worse."

The University of Florida is in Alachua County. Students who are arrested in or around campus for criminal offenses face charges in the local justice system. If the student is 18 years or older, he or she will be tried in adult court.

When students are out socializing, they should be aware of their situations and how their actions could affect their futures, Galigani said. In many situations, police may "raid" a party. Often times, students can face run-ins with law enforcement for underage drinking and disorderly intoxication.

Officers entering a Florida Gators student party could be Gainesville police officers, Alachua County Sheriff's Deputies or officers with the University of Florida Police Department. Contrary to many students' beliefs, UFPD officers do have the power to arrest people, and these people may face criminal charges as a result.

If convicted of any criminal charge, a student could face the same penalties as any other resident of Gainesville. The penalties for a criminal conviction will depend on the type of offense for which a person was convicted. Punishment could be jail time and heavy fines. The student also will have a criminal record.

A University of Florida student who is arrested for any criminal offense also will face consequences on campus, Galigani said.  When a student faces a criminal charge, he or she also is subject to a Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR) hearing (http://www.galiganilaw.com/CollegeDisciplinaryHearings.aspx), and may face disciplinary action at school in addition to any criminal penalties. Sanctions can include:

·         Reprimand

·         Loss of privileges

·         Suspension, in which the student may not attend classes or register

·         Expulsion, in which the student is permanently severed from the university

The Code of Conduct has a provision allowing for disciplinary proceedings to be deferred if there are pending criminal actions. But even if a student is cleared of a criminal charge, he or she still could face disciplinary hearings at UF, Galigani said. The standard of proof for the school to take disciplinary action is lower than a prosecutor to convict.

For both criminal proceedings and UF disciplinary hearings, the student has a right to an attorney. Gainesville defense attorney Dean Galigani can represent UF students in both types of proceedings.

"When a student faces these types of accusations, his or her future is on the line," Galigani said. "It's important for students to turn to experienced counsel to advise and represent them."

Dean Galigani is a Gainesville defense lawyer (http://www.galiganilaw.com/) who represents University of Florida students, both in criminal proceedings and in any student disciplinary matters.