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School Suspension Appeals and Your Child’s Due Process Rights
When your child gets suspended from school, it doesn’t just mean a few days at home. It can affect their grades, their confidence, and even their future plans for college or work. The stress can take a toll on the whole family. But you don’t have to face it alone.
In California, students have due process rights, meaning schools must follow legal procedures before handing down serious discipline. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, our Orange County juvenile defense lawyer helps families understand their rights and protect their child’s future.
When Can a Student Be Suspended in California?
Under California Education Code § 48900, a student may face suspension for behaviors like bullying, fighting, drug possession, or making threats. But not every situation meets this standard. Sometimes, students are disciplined unfairly or without proper review.
Many Orange County schools still use zero tolerance policies. A student might face suspension for something like carrying a pocketknife, having prescription meds without paperwork, or a verbal dispute. These rules often ignore context. An Orange County juvenile defense lawyer can help you challenge unfair discipline before it causes lasting harm.
Understanding Your Child’s Due Process Rights During Suspension
Before issuing a suspension, schools must follow specific legal steps. This includes an informal hearing where the student has the right to:
- Be told the reason for the suspension
- Hear the evidence the school has
- Share their version of events
Parents must be notified promptly and given information about the suspension and how to appeal it. Even a short-term suspension must follow proper procedures. If your child’s rights were overlooked, you may have legal grounds to challenge the school’s decision.
How to Appeal a School Suspension in California
If you disagree with the suspension, you can appeal to the school or district. The appeal process usually begins with a written request, which must be submitted within the timeline outlined in your district’s policy.
During the appeal, you can present evidence, such as written statements, character references, or inconsistencies in the school’s report. This process gives your child a chance to be heard and can help correct misunderstandings that may have led to unfair discipline.
How a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Orange County Can Help
At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we know how stressful it is when your child is facing suspension or school discipline. You may feel powerless, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Our team works to protect your child’s future by challenging unfair decisions, offering alternatives to suspension, and keeping the issue out of the juvenile justice system whenever possible. A skilled Orange County juvenile defense attorney can help your child move forward without lasting damage to their record.
Call an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Now
If you’re worried that a school suspension could hurt your child’s future, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At the Law Office of Katie Walsh, we stand with parents who want to make sure their child is treated fairly and given a real chance to succeed.
Don’t wait until things get worse. Call us today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online to speak with an experienced juvenile defense attorney in Orange County. We’re here to help protect your child’s rights, their education, and their future.