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Protecting Your Child’s Future: A Parent’s Guide to School-Related Arrests
No parent ever imagines that their child’s school day could end in an arrest. Yet, it happens—over minor incidents that are blown out of proportion or misinterpreted. Suddenly, your child is at the mercy of a system that doesn’t always consider their best interests. It’s heartbreaking and unfair, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Katie Walsh Law, our Orange County juvenile criminal defense lawyers stand with parents like you, fighting to protect your child’s future and challenging the decisions that led to this point. Don’t wait—call us today to discuss your next steps.
The Legal Rights of Students at School
- Children have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer law enforcement questions.
- Your child can refuse to provide statements or information that may incriminate them.
- Law enforcement must contact a parent or guardian after a youth is arrested, except in certain emergency situations.
- Students have the right to have an attorney present during questioning by law enforcement.
- Your child can request to speak with their attorney before answering any questions.
- Schools cannot force students to waive their legal rights, even during internal investigations involving law enforcement.
This is where many cases go wrong—school administrators or officers may pressure children into answering questions without informing them of their rights.
What Parents Should Know About School Policies
Each school district has its own policies regarding discipline and law enforcement involvement. However, many parents are kept in the dark about how these policies are applied. For example, some schools allow school resource officers to arrest students for incidents as minor as verbal outbursts, while others escalate even the smallest infractions due to zero-tolerance rules.
As a parent, you have the right to request and review your child’s school policies. This information can be vital in determining whether the school followed its own procedures or unfairly involved law enforcement.
Immediate Steps Parents Can Take
If your child is arrested at school, here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Your reaction can influence how your child handles the situation. Staying calm helps you think clearly.
- Gather Information:
- Contact the school to get details about the incident.
- Request copies of reports, witness statements, or any disciplinary documentation.
- Find out if law enforcement was involved and what charges, if any, are being considered.
- Protect Your Child’s Rights:
- Instruct your child not to make any statements to school officials or law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Remind them that anything they say can be used against them.
At Katie Walsh Law, we help parents and children understand how to handle these interactions to avoid further harm.
Defend Your Child’s Future with an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer
A school-related arrest can disrupt your child’s education, emotional well-being, and future opportunities. At Katie Walsh Law, we understand how overwhelming this can be. As a former prosecutor, Katie Walsh brings a deep understanding of the juvenile justice system, enabling her to challenge unfair charges and minimize the impact on your child’s future. Whether it’s negotiating with schools, advocating in court, or seeking alternative resolutions, our firm works tirelessly to protect your family.
Don’t let one mistake shape your child’s future. Call us today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online for the legal support you need.