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USF St Pete DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

USF at St. Pete Police Department

When a criminal defense is committed on campus, officers with the University Police Department (UPD) of USF in St. Petersburg will investigate the case. These officers have the authority to decline to prosecute, refer the case to the State Attorney’s Office, issue a notice to appear in court for a misdemeanor offense committed in their presence, or make an arrest for a felony or misdemeanor offenses.

These officers must follow certain standard operating procedures when conducting an investigation or making an arrest. It is important that your criminal defense attorney understands the special rules that apply to officers within each law enforcement agency in Pinellas County, FL.

Attorneys after an Arrest by the USFSP

If you are arrested by an officer with the Campus Police at USF in St. Petersburg, FL, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, at Morris Law Firm, P.A..

We represent students and educators accused of a crime. We can also help you during a disciplinary hearings if you are accused of violating the student code of conduct by committing a criminal offense on campus or off campus.


Contact Information

University Police Department (UPD)
USF St. Petersburg, FPF 105
530 3rd Street South
St. Petersburg FL 33701
Ph: (727) 873-4444
Fax: (727) 873-4122
E: police@usfsp.edu

Mission of the USF St. Petersburg Police Department

The police chief of the campus police at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, FL, is David Hendry.

The USF St. Petersburg (USFSP) Police Department is a fully accredited state law enforcement agency. It provides services to students, educators, staff and visitors to the campus 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. According to its website, the mission of the USFSP is to “Inspire scholars to lead lives of impact.”

According to the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) Salary Survey, the 2017 salary ranges for the USF at St. Pete Police Department is a minimum of $42,000 and a maximum of $62,000 for an officer.


Attorneys for USF St. Petersburg Student Code of Conduct Hearings

After a student at the St. Petersburg campus of the University of South Florida (USF) is arrested on campus or off campus, the school might initiate a disciplinary hearing for a violation of the student code of conduct. Ideally, your criminal defense attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, should also represent you at each phase of this investigation and the hearings.

The disciplinary system at the University of South Florida System in St. Petersburg expects students to behave in a manner that supports the values of integrity, civility, and respect.

The Student Code of Conduct describes behavior that is counteractive to these principles. The code also describes how the system at USF in St. Petersburg will hold students accountable for those inappropriate behaviors.

Students are expected to comply with all state laws, as well as USF code of conduct rules, policies, and regulations. When a student attending the USF St. Petersburg campus is accused of a crime, the student may be prosecuted in state court or federal court. The student might also be disciplined under the Student Code of Conduct.

The officials at USF in St. Petersburg, FL, have the authority to pursue disciplinary action even if criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute. The code of conduct disciplinary hearings are independent of the criminal justice process.

Students who are accused of a criminal act are often referred to the Office of Student Conduct by local law enforcement agencies including the University Police Department (UPD) of USF and other law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County. When the case is not being prosecuted in state or federal court, the referral can be made by other students, educators or staff at the university.

The Office of Student Conduct at the USF campus in St. Petersburg also reserves the right to initiate or follow up any investigative leads where there is a reasonable belief of possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google