Disciplinary matters at public schools in New Jersey are very serious and likely also stressful for students who are involved and their parents. Just as the Garden State is known for great schools, it also has a reputation for robust and even heavy-handed school discipline procedures. If an incident at school rises to the level of an administrative hearing, many aspects of the student’s future hang in the balance – to say nothing of the grave nature of a civil lawsuit or criminal charges.
In a case like this, to protect your child and their long-term best interests, you will need an experienced attorney. The team at SGW Law leads the way among education attorneys in New Jersey, and our lawyers have many decades of collective experience successfully defending students and having disciplinary action ended or reversed, as well as protecting student rights in other matters. Get in touch with us online now about your case or read further to see the details of how school discipline works in NJ.
What Situations Require a School Discipline Defense Attorney in NJ?
Not every difficult matter at school requires consulting an attorney. There are other professionals who are better equipped to help students who are struggling academically, for example, although an education attorney can help in disputes related to an IEP or 504 plan. However, any time a student is subject to a long-term disciplinary measure or one that is more serious than detention or parental notification, a lawyer specializing in these matters can be a boon.
The most common case in which a school discipline defense attorney is necessary is suspension, particularly out-of-school suspension. Not only does being taken out of school impact a student’s education, having a suspension on their record can be harmful in the long term. Allegations of bullying or threats against a student likewise may be a blot on their record, and a student who is falsely accused can much more readily be cleared with the help of an attorney.
Moreover, not all school discipline cases have to do with alleged harassment or violence. Academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, is a very severe allegation that can impact a student’s grade point average, participation in extracurricular activities, and overall reputation, and colleges take these matters seriously as well. And if law enforcement is involved or there are potential criminal charges – particularly if the accused is a high school senior over 18 and the incident involved other students who are minors – you should contact an attorney immediately.
How Can a School Discipline Lawyer Help Protect Your Child’s Future?
The primary way school discipline lawyers can help students and parents is through representation at school hearings. A lawyer can persuade school officials or negotiate a more favorable outcome, and if an appeal is necessary, they can champion the student’s interests and increase the chance of success. Furthermore, NJ education attorneys also have the knowledge necessary to help clients navigate statewide policies and school district-level procedures that may be complex and unfamiliar.
All students are entitled to due process before they are disciplined, regardless of what they may be accused of. An important part of a lawyer’s job is to safeguard this right, and especially to prevent self-incrimination, especially if the student is questioned by police. All in all, through all of the services they are able to provide, attorneys help students mitigate any negative impact on their academic records and therefore on their future college and career prospects.
When Should You Contact a School Discipline Attorney in NJ?
In general, you should consult a school discipline lawyer as soon as possible when you receive notice of disciplinary action against your child. You should also speak to your attorney prior to all student or parent meetings about the disciplinary matter, no matter how many times this occurs. If there is police involvement or the school is pressuring the student to admit fault, this is all the more true – the attorney should be physically present in meetings if possible when this is the case. Ultimately, if you feel the school is not being transparent or is acting unfairly toward your child, the first step to a solution is bringing your concerns up with your attorney.
What Should You Expect During the School Discipline Process in NJ?
Different NJ school districts may have subtly different regulations in place for student discipline. However, throughout the state, a process of up to four steps (if necessary) is typical. The first step is an investigation by appropriate parties at the school, such as the principal and vice principals or school resource officer. If a student is to be disciplined following the investigation, they are entitled to a hearing. The decision from this hearing may then be followed by an appeal. All together, the amount of time involved could be as little as a few days or as long as weeks or months, depending on the facts of the matter. Engaging the services of an attorney is crucial, because they can protect your child at every stage, from making a convincing initial statement to obtaining a favorable change at appeal.
Protect Your Child’s Future with Experienced Legal Help
Get Trusted School Discipline Defense in New Jersey
If you have a child who is facing disciplinary action at an NJ school, SGW Law has your back – and theirs. Our attorneys have the empathy to understand your case and the experience to guide you through the complicated and high-stakes school disciplinary process. We work tirelessly to get the best outcomes for students at disciplinary hearings, in the courtroom, and beyond. Contact our team now to get started.
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