columbus k-12 student misconduct Lawyer

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Students in both public and private high schools face the potential for disciplinary action every day. From cheating accusations to potential criminal activity, these investigations could have a dramatic impact on a student’s academic future. A knowledgeable student rights attorney could help defend against these consequences.

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Faculty Member or Graduate Student?

If you are a faculty member or graduate student who has been accused of research misconduct, learn more about how our Academic & Scientific Research Misconduct group can help.

If you have a child who is high school-aged or younger who has been accused of misconduct, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel that can explain the situation and the best way to achieve a successful outcome. In many cases, one of our attorneys can ensure that the educational institution follows its own guidelines and respects the rights of your child. Let a Columbus K-12 student misconduct lawyer advise you on how to proceed with your child’s case.

Examples of Student Misconduct

There are many types of conduct that could result in discipline in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. Often, cases of misconduct center on allegations of cheating or academic misconduct. In the past, we have seen an uptick on cases centered around students posting racist comments online or speech that is considered to have a disruption on school activities.

In some cases, the misconduct in question is relatively harmless, such as noise violations or leaving a classroom without permission. Other examples of misconduct are more serious and may require extensive legal action. This could include allegations of theft or assault, as well as sexual harassment which might invoke Title IX action.

Suspension and Expulsion

When it comes to student discipline for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade, the most serious sanctions result in either suspension or expulsion. A suspension is a temporary removal of a child from the classroom. This could involve requiring the child to remain at home during the school day or secluding them on campus during the in-school suspension. Expulsion is the more serious penalty of the two, and refers to the removal of a child from the school for the remainder of the school year or even permanently. Permanent expulsion is rare, but it could occur in both public or private schools.

Teenager on a skateboard.

These punishments are reserved for the most serious offenses, which include acts that might be considered crimes if they were committed by adults. Bringing weapons to school or engaging in acts of violence are common examples of actions leading to expulsion. A Columbus misconduct attorney could help K-12 students during the grievance procedure and after any punishments are handed down.

Appealing Suspensions and Expulsions

There are strict requirements regarding the suspension or expulsion of a child from a public school. Before a suspension can occur, the school must first provide written notice to the child’s family of the suspension, as well as the reasons disciplinary action has been taken.

A student is also entitled to a hearing that gives them the opportunity to challenge the suspension or expulsion. In cases of expulsions, the hearing is with the school’s superintendent.

It is important to remember that parents have the right to legal counsel during this process. An attorney evaluates the evidence against the child, and can produce evidence and present witnesses of their own. This is especially valuable in cases of expulsions, given the high stakes involved. The guidance of a Columbus K-12 student violation attorney can make the difference between a child remaining in the classroom or being removed from their academic environment.

 

Teenager on a laptop.

Talk to a Columbus K-12 Student Misconduct Attorney for Guidance

The student discipline process could have a serious impact on not only your child’s current educational opportunities but their future options as well. An expulsion could limit their options on where they attend high school and might even factor into college decisions. Do not put your child’s future at risk. Contact a Columbus K-12 student misconduct lawyer for qualified legal services.

Important to Know:

COVID-19: Cheating & Plagiarism

Allegations of cheating and plagiarism are skyrocketing due to virtual learning environments imposed by COVID-19. If you’ve been accused of academic misconduct during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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See What Our CLients are Saying

Testimonials

Enough cannot be said for how helpful KJK was ...

for me during my allegation process. Susan and Kristina were extremely knowledgeable and passionate toward my specific case. They consistently had steps of action to take in my defense and were extremely flexible when working with me. They helped prepare me, both mentally and emotionally, prior to my hearing. Thanks to their hard work, I now have my future back.”

– Successfully defended a pre-med undergraduate student for alleged cheating on a physics lab report and showed that the professor had made a critical error in basic mathematics

Susan and Kristina are great lawyers.

They helped me resolve an extremely difficult academic dishonesty accusation case against me at the university level. They had helpful ideas and were persistent in making sure my defense was the best it could be. They were creative in their way of utilizing outside resources that helped achieve a positive outcome. Good, prompt responses to my questions. I highly recommend them!