School Expulsion Cases are extremely serious and nothing to go about on your own. Our law firm has handled many high school expulsion cases in Pennsylvania and the tri-state area. We have experienced attorneys that go into the schools and make sure they are fighting for your rights and your case.
For instance, many school boards and school districts across Pennsylvania institute their own policies and have rules in place for procedures to expel a student. The policies and procedures are not done in a typical court of law with a judge, but a pseudo judiciary panel comprised of the same school board implanting these policies. The same rules of evidence as established in court proceedings where the district is located will apply as well. Thus, it can easily place families in a tough situation should they move forward in this process without an attorney.
Expulsion hearing boards act as prosecutor, judge, and jury in a variety of ways throughout this process. As an example, imagine playing cards with a child. The child dictates the game and all of the rules in the game. The child teaches you the rules, and tailors them so that they win every single time. A student in the midst of an expulsion case is under the same dilemma. It is a difficult task to win against the body that instituted those same rules and policies.
Something to note in most of these expulsion hearings is that the information which may launch most of these cases stem from anonymous comments and or reports to someone in the school administration. It is vastly important to ensure that these anonymous reports are substantiated. This means that the student should never waive their right to question the individuals who provided these reports. At times, school districts will move forward trying to dissuade the actual witness from having to testify. The school’s attorney may try to introduce the statements into evidence, and should it be without proper objection, those statements will come in as fact. Thus, the individuals will not testify and the statements will most likely be taken as fact. Every student has the right to cross-examine the individuals who may potentially have them expelled from the school.
The hearing for an expulsion matter can also have consequences on the education of your child. The student would be forced, should the school board grant the expulsion, to attend an alternative school. This alternative school may be a “second chance” charter school, a private institution or magnet school. Although, in some instances where special education is required, the student will then have zero involvement with the former school district. Largely unbeknownst to parents, this includes any and all extracurricular activities and programs provided by the school district. The student would not be able to attend any school dances or functions, even if invited by a member of the student body. The student would also be prohibited from any sporting event, where the school is a participant. This includes away games and tournaments. These prohibitions that come from an expulsion can have lasting social effects on any student where they can no longer be a part of normal student life even while outside of school hours.
These are only some examples of why parents should contact Lento Law Group for a consultation, should their student be involved in any investigation where expulsion is a possibility. Our team of attorneys are more than prepared to take on school districts head on. Our litigators treat these proceedings like any other court room. And they are there to win. Lento Law Group fights hard to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. Don’t take a chance going at it alone. Sign up the best. Go with Lento Law Group. Contact us today.