Whether your student is in K-12 or college, misconduct can result in two different types of potential punishment. If the misconduct does not rise to the level of criminal behavior, they can still face punishment from the school. In other cases, they could face criminal charges for the behavior and disciplinary proceedings. While parents often worry more about the criminal charges, the school disciplinary proceeding can significantly impact their student’s life.
Advocating for your students, whether they are children or younger adults, is important. Although society treats people like fully grown adults when they reach 18, scientific studies demonstrate that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s. Students can make mistakes—often grave mistakes—when they are younger. While they may deserve some consequences for those mistakes, they should not haunt them for the rest of their lives. A DeKalb County student defense lawyer can help navigate both the criminal justice system and the disciplinary process. Call today to work with a dedicated criminal defense attorney.
While parents need to advocate for their children, it can be equally important to let children experience the natural consequences of their bad behavior. That means not intervening every time a child faces potentially adverse consequences. Doing that can result in a child with escalating behavior issues. So, a student misconduct attorney in DeKalb County may not suggest intervening in every issue.
The need for intervention often depends on the severity of the potential consequences. Will the consequences have a long-term impact on the child’s grades, ability to graduate, access to classes or other resources, or a similar impact? If so, then getting the help of an attorney may be a good idea.
For students in middle school, high school, colleges, and universities, some misbehavior can result in a disciplinary proceeding—the consequences differ for those in K-12 and those in college. For minors, the state must provide schooling until grade 12. If the child has identified special needs, the obligation may even extend beyond that time. For those children, disciplinary hearings can impose punishments but are much less likely to result in expulsion.
College students do not have the same protections. Colleges and universities can expel students, which could not only affect their career at that school but also reduce their chances of getting into an alternative school. It can even have an impact on their professional life, especially if the expulsion is for something like an alleged violent crime.
While students do enjoy some protections in the disciplinary process, it does not offer the same protections as the criminal justice system. The allegations do not need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, even though the consequences can often be more severe than the criminal consequences for the same actions. If your child is facing a formal student disciplinary proceeding at the college level, a DeKalb County lawyer could help defend them.
Some types of misbehavior can lead to criminal charges in addition to disciplinary proceedings. Underage possession of alcohol, drug possession, drug sales, possession of a weapon, assaults, and sexual assaults are examples of these charges. In those instances, it is even more essential to ensure your child is represented. A DeKalb County attorney could help your student understand all the potential consequences so you can make the right decision when it comes to a defense.
When your kid is in trouble, parents often struggle to find the correct response. You do not want your child’s future to be ruined, but you also do not want to swoop in and save them every time their misbehavior could lead to negative consequences.
A DeKalb County student defense lawyer can help you understand when a situation needs legal assistance, develop a strategy for dealing with disciplinary proceedings and criminal cases, and also help minimize exposure to potential civil liability. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
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