Why You Need an Attorney for a School Expulsion Hearing in Orange County
Although it may seem unnecessary to hire an attorney for a school expulsion hearing in Orange County, the consequences of these hearings can drastically shape your child’s educational future. Section 48900 of the California Education Code outlines several acts that a child can commit to be recommended for expulsion.
Before you or your child is expelled from the school district, there must be an expulsion hearing. At these hearings you will face a panel of three teachers from other schools. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys can help you organize a strategy for your child’s defense.
Corona del Mar High School Cheating Scandal
Recently, students at Corona Del Mar High School were expelled due to alleged violations of California Education Code Section 48900.
According to the Los Angeles Times, 12 students worked with a private tutor from Irvine to mastermind a major cheating scandal. Newport Beach police officers collaborated with the school district to investigate the matter, in which they determined Timothy Lance Lai, a 28-year-old tutor, instructed the students to attach a key logger to several teachers’ computers. By doing this, Lai and the students could track the teachers’ keystrokes and find out their passwords, giving them access to future tests and their grades.
In December 2013, 12 students were identified as being involved with the crime and 11 of them were expelled in January. Aside from having their educational futures completely reshaped (having to switch schools, college careers in jeopardy, and reputations hurt), these students may also face felony criminal charges.
The expulsion of 11 students was the most severe penalty the school board could have adopted. While these students can transfer schools, many parents continue to lobby to keep these children away from neighboring schools. The severe punishment by this Southern California school district may set precedent for other schools to take a similarly harsh stance against students in the future. To make sure your child has the best chance for a positive outcome in a school expulsion hearing in Orange County, speak to one of our skilled attorneys at Wallin & Klarich.
California Education Code 48900: Inform Your Child
California Education Code 48900 outlines in great detail the many acts students can commit to subject themselves to a school expulsion hearing. These include:
- Threatening to cause physical injury to another person;
- Using force or violence upon another person;
- Possession of a firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object without written permission from a school employee;
- Possession of a controlled substance;
- Arranging to sell a controlled substance;
- Committed or attempted robbery or extortion;
- Possession or use of all tobacco/nicotine products; and
- Engaging in hazing or bullying.
Being in front of a school board for an expulsion hearing relating to these charges (and others not listed) can be an intimidating venture for parents and students alike. These hearings do not have the same constitutional protections as the court. They are almost entirely up to the discretion of the school board as it relates to the facts of your child’s situation. That is why it is extremely important to hire a skilled and knowledgeable attorney for your child’s school expulsion hearing.
Call the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If your child is facing expulsion from the school, it will have a major impact on the future of his or her educational career. But it doesn’t have to. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been successfully representing our clients in school districts throughout Southern California for over 40 years. With offices located in Orange County, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Torrance, Riverside, West Covina, Victorville, Ventura, San Diego and Sherman Oaks, Wallin & Klarich has an established reputation of providing its clients with round-the-clock support in Southern California. Let us protect you.
Call us at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 to discuss your case. We will be there when you call.
