Success Stories: High School Student Saved from Expulsion, Weeks Before Graduation

As much as a parent wants to believe their son or daughter won’t experiment with illegal drugs, there is no way to predict if (or when) some students will make a choice to rebel or give in to peer pressure.

One of our recent cases from the Irvine Unified School District shows this to be true. Our client, a high school senior, was within a few weeks of walking on the stage at graduation to receive a diploma and move on from high school. Perhaps too certain that the end of high school was in sight, our client celebrated a bit too early, and was caught on campus under the influence of a controlled substance, jeopardizing his future plans before he even left high school for the last time.

Under the Influence on Campus

Under California’s Education Code Section 48900(c), it is unlawful for any student to possess, use, sell, or otherwise furnish, or be under the influence of, any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. The school suspended our client for five days and submitted a recommendation for expulsion to the District, which would prevent the student from receiving a high school diploma.

Intervention at the Right Time

We were retained and quickly pursued a course of action with the goal of allowing our client to receive a diploma at graduation. Our attorney went to work and was able to secure a negotiated resolution with the Irvine Unified School District that allowed for the expulsion recommendation to be suspended (or “stayed”). As a result, our client was able to collect his high school diploma at graduation. 

The Irvine School District decided not to pursue the case any further, and the student’s academic record will not include an expulsion. This is crucially important because by avoiding an expulsion, our client can enter the next phase of adulthood with a clean record. Had the student been expelled, it could have resulted in the denial of entry into the university of his choice or could result in his being passed over for a job. Instead of having doors of opportunity closed to him, our client will be able to walk through those doors and pursue his education or career without being held back by a mistake he made in high school.

Contact the Education Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich

Students make mistakes, but we believe that should not affect the rest of their lives. If your child is facing a school disciplinary hearing, you need an attorney to help fight for their chance to continue their education. At Wallin & Klarich, we have more than 40 years of experience in helping our student clients their academic record and keep the doors of opportunity open to them once they reach adulthood. Our attorneys are always available to answer your questions and will use all of our legal skills and knowledge to help you receive the best possible outcome in your case.

With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Covina, Torrance, and Victorville, there is an experienced and skilled Wallin & Klarich education defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.

Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will be there when you call.