You’re at a party. The music’s loud, the house is packed, and everyone’s just trying to have a good time. Then bam! The police show up. Maybe you’re charged with underage drinking, caught with a fake ID, or arrested for disorderly conduct. You think, “Okay, this will play out in court.” But before you’ve even processed what happened, you get an email from the University of Florida.
What many UF students don’t realize is this: the university can take disciplinary action even if your arrest happened off campus — and even if you haven’t been convicted of anything yet. At Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L., we’ve helped countless students in this exact situation.
Our Gainesville student conduct defense attorneys know how quickly a night out can spin out of control and threaten your academic future. If you’re a student — or a parent of one — facing dual pressure from the legal system and the university, we’re here to guide you through both.
UF’s Authority Over Off-Campus Behavior
Just because something happened off university property doesn’t mean UF won’t respond. Yes, UF can discipline you for something that happened off campus. The university’s Student Conduct Code clearly states that UF student behavior outside of school grounds — if it violates university policies — can result in disciplinary action.
The Conduct Code applies to:
- Off-campus arrests
- Behavior at student organization events
- Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, or violence — even if they occurred at a private residence
We’ve seen students pulled into SCCR proceedings based solely on police reports, social media posts, or hearsay. If your name is mentioned — even if charges are minor — UF will investigate. And unlike the court system, it doesn’t wait for a conviction.
The bottom line: If you’re a UF student, your off-campus actions can still fall under the university’s disciplinary umbrella.
Common Arrest Scenarios at Parties That May Trigger UF Action
We’ve represented UF students in a wide range of cases involving arrests at or after parties.
Some of the most common charges that draw SCCR’s attention include:
- Underage drinking or alcohol possession – Florida’s legal drinking age is 21. Even holding a beer underage can get you arrested — and reported.
- Drug charges or paraphernalia – Marijuana possession, even in small amounts, is still illegal in Florida and a code violation under UF policy.
- Disorderly conduct or noise complaints – Behavior that’s perceived as disruptive, loud, or aggressive can result in a police report — and an SCCR investigation.
- Battery or assault – Fights at parties, especially if there are injuries, often result in dual investigations by law enforcement and the university.
- Resisting arrest or interfering with law enforcement – Even if you weren’t the one being arrested, interfering can get you in legal and university trouble.
You don’t have to be convicted for UF to act. Just the arrest — or any indication of policy violation — is often enough to trigger an SCCR inquiry. The message from UF is clear: your student status doesn’t shield you from disciplinary consequences.
The Role of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (SCCR)
SCCR is the university office that handles behavioral violations. Their process is separate from the court system — and often moves much faster.
Here’s how it typically works:
- They’ll review the police report and any supplemental evidence such as social media posts, videos, or campus security footage.
- You may receive a notice of conduct charges, even before your court date.
- You’ll be asked to participate in an informal hearing or review meeting.
- Your case could move forward regardless of whether your criminal charges are dropped or pending.
UF students are often surprised to learn they can be suspended — or even expelled — without a criminal conviction. UF’s process doesn’t follow the same rules of evidence as a courtroom, and it doesn’t require “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is why it’s so important to have a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Florida who understands both systems.
Potential Consequences for a UF Student Arrest
If SCCR finds that your behavior violated the Student Conduct Code, the university may impose one or more of the following penalties:
- Conduct probation
- Removal from UF housing
- Loss of scholarships
- Mandatory counseling or substance education programs
- Community service
- Suspension or expulsion
- Transcript notations or academic holds
These consequences can affect your ability as an UF student to enroll in classes, transfer to another school, or apply for internships and graduate programs.
Your Rights as an UF Student in the Disciplinary Process
Even though UF’s process isn’t a courtroom, you still have rights in the university’s process.
You can and should exercise them fully:
- Right to notice of charges – You must be informed of the alleged violations before any hearing.
- Right to a hearing and to present evidence – You have the opportunity to share your version of events.
- Right to an advisor, including an attorney – You may bring legal representation to support you during hearings.
- Right to appeal – If you believe the outcome was unfair, there’s a formal appeal process available.
Unfortunately, many UF students either don’t know their rights or don’t take advantage of them — often leading to outcomes that could have been avoided or reduced with proper legal representation and advocacy.
Why You Need Legal Help for Both Cases
Getting arrested as a UF student often means facing two separate systems: the legal system and the university’s disciplinary process. What you say in one setting can impact the other.
For example:
- If you admit guilt during a university meeting, that information could be used in your criminal case.
- Accepting a plea deal might help resolve court proceedings, but it could trigger automatic sanctions from SCCR.
- Even if your charges are dropped, the university can still issue disciplinary penalties based on its own review.
At Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L., we help students navigate both tracks. Our legal team will defend your legal rights in court and your academic future at UF. We know the policies. We know the people. And we know how to build a strategy that works on both fronts.
Protect Your Future as a UF Student—Know Your Rights and Take Action Today
It’s scary. One night, one party, one moment of misjudgment—and suddenly your degree, housing, and dreams are at risk — things can escalate quickly. If you’ve been arrested at a party and are now facing student discipline at UF, contact a Gainesville student defense lawyer today.
At Turner O’Connor Kozlowski, P.L., we’ve stood beside University of Florida students through the toughest of times.
We know UF’s policies and the Florida criminal system — and we know how to help UF students get through these situations with their scholarships, transcripts, and futures intact. With the right approach, we can help you do the same.
We’ll defend your rights on campus and in court. Call [phone] now for a free and confidential consultation.
