What to Do if Your Child is Suspended for Fighting?

If your child has been suspended from school for fighting, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, with the help of Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek, you can take steps to challenge the suspension and protect your child’s rights. In this article, we’ll explore the suspension process and offer tips for appealing a suspension.

Student Rights and Due Process

When a student is suspended from a public school, they have the right to due process. The U.S. Supreme Court has established that students cannot be suspended without first receiving a meeting or similar process where they can present their side of the story and argue against the suspension. Although schools are not required to provide the same level of due process to students as courts do to criminal defendants, they must allow suspended students to respond to the allegations and present evidence in their defense.

At a suspension meeting, students also have the right to have an attorney or legal representative present. If your child has been suspended for fighting, it’s crucial to exercise their rights and challenge the disciplinary action.

California Law on Fighting and School Punishment

Under California Education Code 48900, a student can be suspended or expelled for fighting if they cause, attempt to cause, or threaten to cause physical injury to someone else, or intentionally use force or violence against someone else when not acting in self-defense. Although self-defense is recognized as a legitimate excuse for using force or violence, California schools often suspend students involved in fights, even if they were not the instigator and were actually defending themselves.

If your child has been suspended for fighting in a situation like this, it is vital to appeal the suspension and challenge the school’s decision.

The Suspension Process

When a student is suspended, the school must provide a written notice explaining the reason for the suspension to their parents. The school should also schedule a suspension meeting or an informal meeting where the student, their parents, and their attorney (if they have one) can tell their side of the story.

If the school does not provide notice or schedule a meeting after your child has been suspended, you should promptly send a written request for the school administration to schedule a meeting to discuss the suspension.

How to Appeal

In California, the primary way to appeal a school suspension for fighting is through an informal suspension meeting. During this meeting, the suspended student and their parents can meet with the school’s administrators, present their side of the story and defend themselves, and try to persuade the administration to reverse the suspension. The student can also present any evidence that supports their defense and bring an attorney or legal advocate to represent them.

To prepare for the meeting, gather evidence that supports your child’s side of the story, such as security camera footage, relevant medical records, and cell phone video of the incident. You should also interview any witnesses to the fight to determine what happened. Witnesses who can testify to what caused the fight can be particularly helpful when a student is suspended for a fight instigated by another student.

If the appeal is successful, the school administration will reverse the suspension and remove it from the student’s academic record. However, if the school refuses to overturn your child’s suspension and suspends them in violation of California law, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the school for wrongful suspension.

Protect Your Child’s Rights with Spodek Law Group

If your child has been suspended from school for fighting, it’s important to act quickly and seek the help of experienced legal professionals like Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek. Our team has the knowledge, experience,and professionalism to handle your case and ensure that your child’s rights are protected. We can help you collect evidence, develop a winning strategy, and advocate for your child’s interests during the suspension meeting.

Attorney Todd Spodek is a skilled education lawyer with a deep understanding of California law and school policies. He has helped numerous families challenge suspensions, expulsions, and other disciplinary actions, and has a track record of success in these cases.

When you work with Spodek Law Group, you can rest assured that you are getting the best legal representation for your child. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized service and to keeping you informed every step of the way.

Table: California Law on Fighting and School Punishment

Offense	Punishment
Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to someone else	Suspension or expulsion
Intentionally using force or violence against someone else when not acting in self-defense	Suspension or expulsion

Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If your child has been suspended from school for fighting, don’t wait to take action. Contact Spodek Law Group today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Todd Spodek. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps towards challenging the suspension and protecting your child’s rights. With our help, you can give your child the best chance of success and a bright future.