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Suspended From A California Public School
The school suspension process is bound to a complex network of rules and regulations. Every single one of these rules and regulations must be abided by, and if not, your child’s suspension may be invalid.
Going over what you can do if your child has been suspended from a California public school, and speaking with a California school expulsion lawyer at the Law Office of Katie Walsh, who can help, will allow you and your child to obtain the best outcome possible.
What Is A School Suspension?
A school suspension is a disciplinary act that forces a student out of their class or out of their school for a set period of time.
Even though a school suspension is similar to a school expulsion, there is one major difference: a school expulsion is, in essence, the permanent removal of a student from a particular school or school-related.
If a student is expelled, then they are permanently removed from that setting. But, if that same student is suspended, then they are only temporarily removed, and when a set period of time has passed, they will be able to return.
If A Student Is Suspended, What Happens?
Right before a student can be suspended, other forms of discipline must be used.
Just as an example, rather than suspending a student after they do something, the school might give them after-school detention or even have them talk with a counselor.
If those actions fail to lead anywhere – or, alternatively, the student committed a violent act, which necessitates immediate suspension and, in some cases, expulsion – then a student can be suspended.
Right after the decision to suspend a student is made, a pre-suspension meeting must be conducted. And during this meeting, the reasons for the suspension, as well as evidence that supports this decision, must be demonstrated.
To go along with the above, the school must also describe the other actions they took to correct the behaviors that led to this suspension. That is, unless the actions were violent, in which case an immediate suspension is valid.
Right before a student can be suspended, though, there is one other thing that must happen: a student must be given the opportunity to defend themselves from the allegations that have been levied against them. If they succeed in defending themselves, then it is likely that their suspension will be lifted. But, if they do not, then they will be suspended.
How Can A Student Defend Themselves From A School Suspension?
A student can defend themselves from a school suspension by presenting evidence that contradicts the need for suspension and, in turn, sharing their side of the story.
On the other hand, if the pre-suspension meeting has already occurred, then a student can obtain a final written notice and may have the ability to appeal that suspension.
The latter option is far from easy. But, with the help of a lawyer, it is much easier to appeal a suspension and get it off of one’s record; this also applies to finding and presenting evidence at a pre-suspension hearing.
Speak With An Orange County School Expulsion Lawyer Today
Your child may not be getting expelled, but a suspension is still a less-than-ideal outcome. Speak with an Orange County school expulsion lawyer at the Law Office of Katie Walsh, and we will help your child stay in school.