College Student Arrested in Florida? What Happens Next and What to Do First
A recent report of a Stetson University student arrested on campus after a tip from an online platform is a reminder that a criminal case can begin long before a student knows anything is wrong. Investigations involving online activity can take months before officers arrive with a search warrant. If you are a college student in Florida who has been arrested or contacted by law enforcement, or a friend or family member of one, the steps you take in the first hours and days can matter. Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and represents college students in Tampa Bay and across Florida.
What Happens After an Arrest in Florida
In Florida, a person who is arrested and held in custody is usually brought before a judge for a first appearance within 24 hours. At first appearance, the judge reviews whether there was probable cause for the arrest and sets release conditions, which may include bond and other restrictions. Release conditions in cases involving online activity can be strict and can affect a student’s ability to use the internet or electronic devices for classes. The arraignment comes later. It is the court date where the formal charge is read and a plea is entered. Learn more about what an arraignment is in Florida.
School Discipline Can Run Separately From the Criminal Case
Colleges and universities have their own student conduct codes. A school may open a student conduct process that runs separately from the criminal case and on its own timeline. What a student says in a school meeting or written statement may be shared or used outside that process. Before responding to a school conduct notice, a student should speak with an attorney about how the two processes can affect each other.
Speak With an Attorney Before Answering Questions or Agreeing to a Search
Officers or agents may arrive at a dorm room, apartment or family home and ask to talk. They may also ask for permission to search. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. You do not have to agree to a search. If officers have a search warrant, do not physically resist, but you can still decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney. Read more about search warrants in Tampa and CyberTip-related search warrants in Florida.
Phones, Laptops and Passwords
Investigators often seize phones, laptops, tablets and other devices and may ask for passwords or ask a person to unlock a device. Speak with an attorney first. Whether a person can be required to unlock a device depends on the circumstances, the jurisdiction and any warrant or court order.
Don’t Rely on the Internet or AI for Advice About Your Own Situation
Websites, social media posts and AI chat tools cannot give you legal advice about your own case. They do not know the facts, the evidence or the local courts, and what you type into them may not be private. Use general information like this post only as background, and speak with an attorney about your own situation.
How Attorney Ron Frey Can Help
Every case is different. Attorney Ron Frey represents college students and their families in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida. He can get involved early, during an investigation, and guide a student and their family through court dates and school conduct proceedings. Learn more about our college student criminal defense practice.
Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.