Steven Sondergaard, JD

Professor of Criminal Justice

Programs: Criminal Justice, Cyber-forensics, Forensic Science

Phone: 419-783-2443

Email: ssondergaard@defiance.edu
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