Pumphrey Law Criminal Defense FAMU Students

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Students

FAMU Student Defense Attorney

The attorneys at Pumphrey Law represent students attending the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL. When a student at FAMU is charged with a crime or given a “notice to appear” on a criminal offense, the law enforcement officer will often file a copy of the report to officials at FAMU.

Even if the incident occurred off campus, FAMU could initiate a disciplinary action against the student. For the FAMU student, the disciplinary action can result in failure of an academic course, termination of a housing contract, probation, suspension, or even expulsion.

In these cases, the student must face consequences by a judge in the criminal case and a FAMU school administrator through disciplinary action. Given the high stakes, any student being accused of breaking the university’s code of conduct or a violation of Florida law should consider hiring a defense attorney to represent their case.

Our attorneys are experienced in helping FAMU students. We know how university decisions are made, along with the best ways to fight to protect the student. We are also familiar with the tactics of the FAMU Police with the Department of Campus Safety & Security and their standard operating procedures. When you entrust us to represent yours or your child’s case, we will fight aggressively to obtain the most ideal outcome of your criminal trial and student disciplinary hearing.

Common Criminal Charges Against FAMU Students

Pumphrey Law Firm has worked with college students in Tallahassee and the surrounding North Florida areas who have been accused of unlawful behavior. Our firm represents FAMU students on a wide range of criminal cases, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Underage Possession of Alcohol
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Fake ID
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Trespass
• Shoplifting (Petit Theft or Retail Theft)
• Violent Crimes
• Sexually Motivated Crimes
• Firearm Charges
• Violation of Probation

It is important that you understand what you’ve been charged with and the potential consequences of a conviction. This is understandably a stressful experience; however, the worst thing you can do for your case is waiting to secure legal representation. The defense attorneys at Pumphrey Law will provide you with a free consultation to go over the incident and your resulting circumstances. We are here to provide you with help and guidance during this challenging time.

FAMU Disciplinary Review Board

FAMU’s Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution has enacted procedures for disciplinary hearings. A disciplinary hearing can be initiated after an accusation that a FAMU student has engaged in various forms of nonacademic misconduct such as:

1. Possession of alcohol by a student who is under 21 years old;
2. Possession of marijuana;
3. Possession of a controlled substance;
4. Possession of drug paraphernalia;
5. Vandalism or criminal mischief;
6. Theft; and
7. Disorderly conduct.

What Happens When a FAMU Student is Accused of a Crime?

When a FAMU student is alleged to have committed a crime, they can face punishment from both law enforcement and the university. The following is a statement provided on FAMU’s site:

“The criminal justice system and the Code of Conduct are not mutually exclusive. By virtue of being a student, your student is held responsible for upholding the standards of behavior in the Code of Conduct, as well as public laws. Note that the University may proceed with the student conduct process prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to criminal arrest and/or prosecution.”

The arresting law enforcement officer(s) will take the alleged offender into custody to await their arraignment. During this first hearing, a judge will read the defendant the charges against them and a bond amount, if provided by the judge. From there the State will attempt to build a case against the defendant, including any relative evidence they may find in the discovery stage. The defendant can choose to plead guilty, meaning they admit to the offense and accept the resulting penalties. Or the defendant can choose to plead not guilty, resulting in the case going to trial. A formal jury will decide on the case’s verdict after both counsels present their case. A defense attorney can help by representing you in the court room, searching for holes in the State’s case, and providing defense strategies to fight against a conviction.

On the other hand, the student will be required to attend a disciplinary hearing at the university to decide whether there was a violation of the FAMU Student Code of Conduct. Each Florida university has a student code of conduct (SCC) stating acts that are prohibited on and off campus by students, which typically coincides with Florida’s laws. In some cases, a student can be required to attend a disciplinary hearing even if there was no criminal arrest made. The process for a student disciplinary hearing is as follows:

1. Student receives a written notice of the SCC violations they are being accused of;
2. Student is given the chance to attend an informal hearing to have their rights read, receive an overview of the process, and confirm how the case will proceed;
3. Student attends a formal hearing (typically occurs within 15 days of the notice), which includes the following procedures:
   • Presentation of formal charges;
   • Opening statements by the university and student;
   • Presentation of the evidence from both parties;
   • Presentation of questions for the student by the hearing body;
   • Closing statements; and
   • The university’s decision.

A defense attorney can provide immense help to a student required to attend a disciplinary hearing. We can assist in writing and filing any legal documentation, reviewing the evidence against you, and challenging the allegations on your behalf during the hearing. Pumphrey Law is a defense attorney firm experienced in representing college students in need of legal representation.

Outcome of a FAMU Disciplinary Hearing

Once the disciplinary hearing has finished, The University Conduct Officer to the Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for determining the disciplinary action for a student charged with a violation. FAMU’s Code of Conduct lists the potential sanctions for a student found responsible for a violation, which can include one or more of the following:

• Counseling assessment for substance abuse, mental health, or other counseling issues;
• A fine ranging between $100 – $350 which may be included with a period of conduct probation;
• A no contact directive to refrain the student from contacting a specific person in any form;
• Placed on student probation, not exceeding the time needed for the requirements to complete graduation;
• Restitution for the damage or loss to university property;
• Restrictions or loss of privileges to attend athletic events, residence hall visitation, and other university faculties and resources;
• The completion of a specific number of community service hours;
• Suspension from the university for a period not exceeding five (5) years;
• Withholding of diplomas, transcripts, or other records from the university; and/or
• Expulsion from the university.

Important: Allegations of sexual misconduct are reported to the Title IX authority at FAMU. You can read more about Title IX charges in Florida here.

If you or your child need legal guidance for a potential violation of FAMU’s Student Code of Conduct, contact Pumphrey Law.

What Happens When a FAMU Applicant Has a Criminal Record?

FAMU’s General Policies for Admission explains that all applicants applying for admission or readmission to FAMU must disclose any prior criminal conduct, pending criminal charges, and prior educational misconduct. All applications will be reviewed by FAMU prior to the decision on acceptance. Any applicant who fails to disclose their previous criminal history are in violation of the university’s disclosure requirements, and may be subject by the university, including the denial of admission or readmission, the revocation of admission, or any other appropriate action by FAMU.

The application includes the following question:

Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in, or if still pending could result in, probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license (including traffic violations which resulted in a fine of $200 or more)?

If the answer is yes, the applicant must:

1. Provide a statement regarding the incident(s);
2. Furnish FAMU with a list of all violations;
3. Comply with any request for additional documents required for further evaluation; and
4. Furnish FAMU with a copy of the criminal background history from each state in which the violation(s) occurred.

The application also asks:

Have you ever been charged with a felony (even if adjudication was withheld)?

If the answer is yes, the applicant must:

1. Furnish a statement regarding the incident; and
2. Submit a criminal history record that will be evaluated and considered for admission.

After the application is received, the appropriate Admissions Officer and Director determine if the file warrants further review by the Disciplinary Review Board.

If further review is required, the applicant must provide the following:

1. A letter of appeal;
2. A copy of the criminal history record; and
3. At least three (3) letters of recommendation.

Additional Resources

FAMU Police with the Department of Campus Safety & Security
The Department of Campus Safety and Security at FAMU was chosen among a small group of state university police departments to receive recognition from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) for initial accreditation status. Members of the FAMU Police are responsible for maintaining public safety on campus, as well as collaborating with local and state law enforcement for any allegations of student misconduct or violation of law.

Department of Campus Safety & Security
2400 Wahnish Way
POM Bldg. A, Suite 128
Tallahassee, Florida 32307

Attorneys for FAMU Students in Tallahassee

While college is meant to be some of the best years of a person’s life, one wrong decision or false allegation can turn the experience completely upside down. One moment you’re selecting your classes and the next, facing expulsion. Don’t let this be the reality for you or your child at FAMU. When faced with an allegation of a crime or violation of the student code of conduct, consult the defense attorneys with decades of combined experience.

Call Pumphrey Law Firm to speak with an experienced student defense attorney during a free consultation. We can help a FAMU student, and their parents understand the pending charges and defense strategies that can be used to fight the allegation. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact our office at (850) 681-7777 or leave us a message on our website.

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Page Updated February 12, 2024