College Campus Crimes in St. Petersburg, FL

College should be a time of growth and opportunity, but a single mistake or even a false accusation can derail a student’s future. In St. Petersburg, college students accused of crimes face not only the legal consequences of a criminal conviction but also academic discipline, social stigma, and long-term damage to their records. At Hanlon Law, we defend students and young adults accused of crimes on or near college campuses and help them navigate both the criminal justice system and university disciplinary proceedings.

If you are a student or the parent of a student facing criminal charges, contact an experienced St. Petersburg college campus crimes lawyer today to protect your future.

“Campus crimes” is a broad term that refers to criminal offenses allegedly committed by college students either on university property or in nearby off-campus housing and public areas. These crimes range in severity, from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. Common types of college campus crimes in Florida include:

• Underage drinking and possession of alcohol
• Drug possession, sales, or distribution
• Sexual battery or date rape allegations
• Assault and battery
• Theft, burglary, and property crimes
• Hazing and fraternity/sorority misconduct
• Cyberstalking or harassment
• Disorderly conduct or resisting arrest
• DUI

Whether the alleged incident occurred in a dorm room, campus event, bar, or parking lot, criminal charges can have immediate consequences for your academic and professional future.

Florida law does not provide leniency simply because a defendant is a student. College-related offenses are prosecuted under the same criminal statutes that apply to the general population. For example:

• Underage possession of alcohol is a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statute § 562.111, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
• Drug possession charges, such as marijuana or prescription drugs without a valid prescription, fall under Florida Statute § 893.13, and can result in a felony conviction depending on the type and quantity of drug involved.
• Sexual battery, governed by Florida Statute § 794.011, is a serious felony offense with penalties ranging from several years in prison to life imprisonment, depending on the facts of the case.

Even a misdemeanor charge can lead to disciplinary action from your college or university, including suspension, expulsion, or loss of scholarships and campus housing.

In addition to legal proceedings, most Florida colleges and universities, including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) and St. Petersburg College (SPC), have separate disciplinary systems that can take action even if criminal charges are dropped. These proceedings often lack the same due process protections as the criminal courts.

Students may face:

• Conduct hearings without the right to a defense attorney present
• Academic penalties unrelated to the severity of the alleged conduct
• Long-term marks on their academic record

Having a knowledgeable campus crimes attorney who understands both systems is essential for defending your rights and preserving your academic standing.

A criminal conviction—or even just an arrest—can have lasting consequences on your life and career. At Hanlon Law, we understand the unique legal challenges facing students and their families. We work to:

• Investigate the facts and challenge evidence
• Negotiate for dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing
• Represent students in both criminal court and school disciplinary hearings
• Help preserve academic eligibility and future employment opportunities

In many cases, especially for first-time offenders, diversion programs or pretrial intervention may be available to help students avoid a criminal record.

If you or your child is facing criminal charges related to a college campus incident in St. Petersburg, you don’t have to face it alone. Your future is too important to risk. Attorney Will Hanlon has decades of experience defending the accused and can help build a strong defense tailored to the facts of your case.

Call Hanlon Law today at 813-228-7095 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.