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When Schools Call Police: How to Protect Your Child’s Rights
As a parent, one of the worst nightmares is receiving a call from your child’s school that they have involved the police. It’s a distressing situation that can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about what steps to take next. The reality is that schools calling the police is more common than ie past. It’s important to understand your child’s rights and know how to protect them. In this article, we will discuss why schools may call the police and provide guidance on what steps you can take to safeguard your child’s rights.
Why Would My Child’s School Call the Police?
When a child’s behavior becomes disruptive or potentially dangerous, schools are legally obligated to ensure the safety of all students and staff. In certain situations, they may feel the need to involve law enforcement. Here are some common reasons why a school might call the police:
Alleged Violent Behavior
If your child engages in physical fights or threatens others with violence, the school is likely to consider it a serious offense. In such cases, contacting the police may be necessary to prevent further harm to the school community.
Possession of Weapons or Illegal Substances
Schools have a zero-tolerance policy for weapons and drugs. If your child is found in possession of a weapon or illegal substances, it is the school’s responsibility to take immediate action, which may involve contacting law enforcement.
Threats or Intimidation
Any form of threats or intimidation towards fellow students, teachers, or staff members will not be tolerated. Schools take these incidents seriously and may involve the police to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
Damage to School Property
Willful destruction of school property or vandalism is considered a criminal offense. When such incidents occur, schools often reach out to the police to address the situation appropriately.
Cyberbullying or Online Harassment
With the rise of technology, cyberbullying has become a significant concern. If your child is involved in cyberbullying or online harassment that affects the school environment, the school may involve law enforcement to address the issue.
What Steps Can I Take to Protect My Child’s Rights?
When your child’s school involves the police, your immediate actions can significantly impact the outcome of the situation. The most crucial step is securing experienced legal representation before your child speaks with law enforcement or school administrators.
Remember: Your child has the right to remain silent and the right to have a parent or attorney present during questioning. Do not allow your child to give statements to the police or school officials without legal representation – these statements can have long-lasting consequences on your child’s future.
A qualified juvenile defense attorney can:
- Ensure proper procedures are followed during any investigation
- Protect your child from potentially intimidating questioning
- Advocate for alternative disciplinary measures instead of criminal charges
- Help prevent or challenge unfair expulsion proceedings
- Work to keep your child’s record clean
- Navigate both the school disciplinary system and juvenile justice system
Time is critical in these situations. The sooner you involve a juvenile defense attorney, the better positioned they are to protect your child’s rights and future opportunities. An experienced attorney can often intervene early to prevent a school discipline issue from escalating into criminal charges.
Contact an Orange County Juvenile Defense Attorney
If your child’s school has called the police you need to take action immediately. Call the Law Office of Katie Walsh today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online.. Katie and her team will provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Remember, you don’t have to face this situation alone.
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