Steven Sondergaard, JD

Professor of Criminal Justice

Programs: Criminal Justice, Cyber-forensics, Forensic Science

Phone: 419-783-2443

Email: ssondergaard@defiance.edu

Steve Sondergaard

TEACHING INTERESTS

Criminal law, criminal investigation, evidence and procedure, and use of force/civil liability

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

Attorney-at-Law, Steven J. Sondergaard (Private Practice)
Guardian ad Litem & Probate Court Investigator, Defiance County Juvenile/Probate Court
Assistant County Prosecutor, Criminal Division, Hancock County Prosecutor's Office
Police Officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), and Felony Task Force, Charlotte NC Police Department
Police Officer, Fremont OH Police Department
Ohio State Bar Association
Defiance County Bar Association

PUBLICATIONS

(Summer 1997). “Resource Center Assists Rural Agencies in Establishing New Policies.” No. 5: Community Policing Consortium Vol. 1, Sheriff’s Times.

1998. Policy & Procedure Manual. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

1998. Policy & Procedure Manual. 
Defiance County Sheriff’s Office.

(2018). "Walk Through-Yes, No or Maybe." International Union of Police Associations, Police Union News.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

"Critical Incidents." International Union of Police Associations Annual Attorney and Local Leaders Conference, Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Critical Incidents and Legal Issues." Presented to IUPA, Northwest Ohio at Defiance, Ohio

"Civil Liability in Law Enforcement and Corrections." Critical Incident Training (CIT) sponsored by the Four County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMS)

"The evolution of active liberty in today's society." Distinguished Faculty lecture, Defiance College

Northwest State Community College’s “We Are IT.” This program was designed for female high school students interested in the sciences, engineering or technology. Co-presented a Forensic Science lecture and demonstration with Dr. Nathan Griggs and a senior Forensic Science student

"Advice from the Experienced Chair." Illinois Panel Chair, Consortium of Independent Colleges Chicago

Assisted by Dr. Nathan Griggs, Defiance College biology professor, we completed a mock investigation along with the associated scientific testing. The program has since been televised on WGTE-TV Toledo/Supernova on numerous occasions

Address centered on the concept of lifelong learning. Commencement speaker for Terra State Community College

Presentations included: "Basic Skills" and "Legal Issues for the Probate Court Investigator." Two years' presentations were taped and later used for statewide training. Guest lecturer at the Ohio State Probate Court Investigators Association annual continuing education meeting and convention

"Sexual Harassment in the Workplace" workshop for faculty and staff, Defiance College

AWARDS & HONORS

Defiance College Distinguished Faculty Award, 2008
Statewide Distinguished Alumni Award, Ohio Association of Community Colleges, 2005
Commencement Speaker, Terra State Community College, 2003
Distinguished Alumni Award, Terra State Community College, 2002

ACADEMIC DEGREES

Juris Doctorate, University of Dayton School of Law
B.A. in Criminal Justice, Pfeiffer College