Experienced School Expulsion Attorney Having Highlight Year
Matthew B. Wallin Continues to Ensure Fair School Disciplinary Processes for Students in 2019
The Law Firm of Wallin & Klarich maintains a deep commitment to students and their right to quality education. Wallin & Klarich supports students through community outreach programs, education scholarships–as well as providing representation for students in school disciplinary hearings.
One of the most experienced education attorneys at Orange County’s premier law firm, Wallin & Klarich, is the firm’s partner–Matthew B. Wallin, Esq. Mr. Wallin has over 10 years of experience in the disciplinary process for students and dealing with school expulsions at the high school and college level.
This year, Mr. Wallin has already garnered huge decisions in favor of his clients against some of Southern California’s premiere schools–helping to ensure that the students he represents are not deprived of their education.
When Matthew B. Wallin, was asked about his commitment to students, the Wallin & Klarich attorney stated:
“My job is to advocate for my client and his or her family. My duty is to help ensure that a school’s disciplinary process is fair to the student. I am there to help the family navigate and understand the seriousness of the proceedings. In addition, my representation includes preparing the most effective defense and mitigation on behalf of my client.”
California law provides protections and rights to due process for students who are excluded from school. Students may only be suspended or expelled for certain acts enumerated in the Education Code that are related to school activities or attendance. A small number of these offenses, known as “zero tolerance” offenses, require mandatory expulsion by the school district. However, for most offenses, school officials have significant discretion over whether to expel the student. Many school officials are unaware of students’ legal protections or simply ignore them. Frequently, a school’s disciplinary process fails to conform to fundamental concepts of fairness and due process.
- At Tustin Unified School District a student accused of possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription and was suspended before being recommended for expulsion. By developing a comprehensive mitigation packet that included counseling and an educational component, Mr. Wallin, was able to convince the district to keep the student in their school and avoid expulsion.
- A high-school senior within the Irvine Unified School District was suspended and recommended for expulsion just shy of their graduation for violating California Education Code §48900(c). Mr. Wallin was able to immediately intervene with the district and secure a negotiated resolution granting the expulsion recommendation to be “stayed”–allowing the student to receive their high school diploma.
- A student-athlete in the Burbank Unified School District was accused of violating California Education Code §48900(r) and §48900.2 for bullying and sexual harassment. The school district refused to negotiate a resolution and a formal administrative panel hearing was conducted. After carefully cross-examining the witnesses presented by the school, Mr. Wallin, effectively argued that his client did not present a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil (or others) and that there were other means of corrections possible to bring about proper conduct that did not require expulsion. The administrative panel decided in favor of Mr. Wallin and his client agreeing the student should not be expelled.
- At Chapman University a Title IX investigation was initiated based on allegations that a student engaged in behavior that violated the sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual harassment provisions of the school’s Student Sexual Misconduct Policy. The respondent (student accused) was facing a multiple-year suspension from the university and/or expulsion–in a case dealing with the affirmative consent standard present throughout California Universities. At his client’s hearing, Mr. Wallin, diligently questioned the alleged victim and other witnesses which revealed that the conduct alleged did not occur. Mr. Wallin’s client was not disciplined and was permitted back to school.
Experience That Matters: Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
School expulsions and suspensions can be complicated, traumatic, and life-changing. It can damage a student’s school record, and negatively impacting a student’s future. If a student is facing school discipline, immediate action must be taken to ensure that the student is provided the proper protections and rights to due process under the law.
For questions regarding Matthew B. Wallin, or discuss how he can help you or a loved one, contact the Wallin & Klarich Defense Law Firm at (714) 587-4068.
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