Attorneys for Students at Saint Leo

The on-campus geography of Saint Leo University is defined as the 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665 acreage and includes East Campus. The non-campus buildings that are owned or controlled by Saint Leo University includes the location at Michigan Avenue, the Villas, and the financial aid offices in downtown Dade City.

When a college student at Saint Leo University is accused of a crime either on campus or off campus, the stakes are high. When the incident occurs in a dorm room or student housing on campus, the investigations often begin with a complaint being made to a resident assistant (RA) before the police are contacted.

Many of these criminal investigations involve officers with the Campus Security and Safety (CSS) Office on campus. Even incidents that occur off campus are often reported to Saint Leo University by the officers in local police departments including the Dade City Police Department and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to fighting the charges in court, the college students at Saint Leo University might also face a disciplinary hearing on campus to determine whether they should be expelled from school or student housing. International students face the most serious collateral consequences after an arrest because they are not a U.S. Citizen and might face immigration consequences.

Students at Saint Leo University have ten (10) business days after an arrest or criminal accusation to report the incident to Director or Residence Life. In addition to fighting the charges in court, the college students at Saint Leo University might also face a disciplinary hearing on campus to determine whether they should be expelled from school or student housing.

International students face the most serious collateral consequences after an arrest because they are not a U.S. Citizen and might face immigration consequences.

Attorney for Students at Saint Leo University in St. Leo, FL

If you are a student at the Saint Leo University who was charged with a crime, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. Our office is located in New Port Richey in Pasco County across from the West Pasco Judicial Center. We also have an office in downtown Tampa, FL, in Hillsborough County.

Our criminal defense attorneys also represent college students in at Saint Leo University who are charged with felony or misdemeanor offenses for the possession of drugs or alcohol, DUI, and trespass. Special procedural rules apply for allegations of sexual misconduct or relationship violence.

We also help students who receive a notification letter for an initial incident review meeting after a complaint about a student conduct code violation.

Many of these cases begin with an investigation by the uniformed Campus Public Safety security. Our attorneys can help protect your rights during the disciplinary process and prevent any procedural errors or due process violations from occurring.

Call (813) 250-0500 today.

Reporting Requirement for Saint Leo University Students

As a preliminary matter, the student has a continuing duty to report any arrests, pending criminal charge (excluding minor traffic citations), notice to appear citation(s), or criminal conviction(s), even if the adjudication or sentence has been withheld.

This reporting obligation includes specifying the charge, when and where it occurred, and the case number (if any).

This information must be provided in writing (email or letter) to the Director of Residence Life within ten (10) business days following the reportable event as listed above. Failing to report is an independent conduct violation and/or falsification of the admissions application is grounds for admission revocation when discovered.

Types of Accusations Against Students at Saint Leo University

The most common types of criminal offenses that can lead to an arrest or disciplinary hearing for students at Saint Leo University include:

• minor in possession / underage 21 possession of alcohol
• liquor law violations
• drunk or impaired driving (DUI)
• possession of marijuana or controlled substances (drug crimes)
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• relationship violence
  • domestic violence
  • dating violence
  • stalking / cyberstalking
• sexual violence
  • rape
  • foundling
• hazing
• weapon or firearm crimes
• robbery aggravated assault
• burglary
• motor vehicle theft

Conduct Appeal Form for Students at St. Leo University

For students at Saint Leo University who are found to be responsible for a violation of the student code of conduct, the student has the option of appealing the ruling by using the conduct appeal form. The form must be submitted by the deadline listed in the notice of outcome to the Conduct Officer.

Supporting documentation must be attached. Many appeals deal with procedural errors that occurred in violation of the student’s rights during the original disciplinary process. An appeal might also involve newly discovered information not available during the original disciplinary proceeding. The appeal can also seek to reverse disproportionate sanctions.

If the Appellate Officer determines that there are sufficient grounds for appeal, the Appellate Officer will decide on the appeal and will inform the respondent via Saint Leo University-issued E-mail and or/meeting. The decisions issued by the Appellate Officer are final.

Additional Resources

Saint Leo University Campus Security and Safety Department – the CSS Office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide service to the students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Campus Security and Safety officers patrol the campus by foot and also in marked vehicles. Campus Security and Safety has an emergency telephone extension 8333 for all individuals living and working on campus which is staffed for an immediate response. CSS officers are not sworn law enforcement personnel. For this reason, these officers do not have any arrest powers beyond the citizen’s arrest. Officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at the University. The officers enforce (or refer for enforcement) the University’s policies. The officers do have authority to issue parking citations and otherwise manage campus traffic. Criminal incidents that occur on campus are referred to the local law enforcement who have jurisdiction on the campuses.

This article was last updated on Friday, January 18, 2019.