Should I Bring a Lawyer to MA School Disciplinary Hearings?

Over the last few decades, school disciplinary hearings have become more prevalent and the punishments for school infractions have become increasingly severe. Across the nation, many school districts have adopted “zero-tolerance” policies. The adoption of such policies has resulted in numerous students, including first-time offenders, receiving severe punishments for acts which are relatively common among school age children.

There is often a great deal at stake for you or your child during a school disciplinary hearing – such as the possibility of suspension or expulsion. Fortunately, Massachusetts General Laws state that students have a right to an attorney in many school disciplinary hearing settings. Given the potential ramifications of a school disciplinary hearing, it is often in one’s best interests to hire an experienced attorney to provide legal advice and advocate on your behalf during the hearing.

School Disciplinary Hearing Attorneys at the Law Firm of Altman & Altman

At the Law Firm of Altman & Altman, we understand the uncertainty and stress that students and parents are often faced with when a school disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for an infraction. Our dedicated team of Massachusetts School Disciplinary Hearing Attorneys will inform you and your child about your legal rights and will help explain exactly what to expect during the hearing. Our firm handles all types of school disciplinary hearings, including:

• Suspension Hearings
• Expulsion Hearings
• Academic Probation / Suspension
• Locker Searches
• Assault and Battery Cases
• Charges of Drug or Alcohol Possession
• Weapon Charges
• Charges of Bullying (Including “Cyber Bullying”)

In Massachusetts, certain procedures must be in place for school disciplinary hearings in order to ensure that the student’s due process rights are not violated. The procedural steps required vary depending on the severity of the possible punishment. The Greater Boston School Disciplinary Hearing Attorneys at Altman & Altman will work tirelessly to ensure that the procedural safeguards are followed by the school in order to make certain that justice is served and you or your child receives a fair hearing.

In addition to being by your side during the hearing, our experienced team of MA School Disciplinary Hearing Lawyers will request access to all of the evidence being offered against you or your child so that you may have an adequate opportunity to examine the documents and provide an explanation as to the events. Our attorneys will locate all appropriate and necessary witnesses and will file a request with the school board to have such witnesses attend the hearing. Furthermore, our MA School Disciplinary Hearing Lawyers will file an appeal on your behalf if necessary.

School Disciplinary Hearings are frequently very adversarial. What may appear to be a minor discipline infraction may result in severe punishment. If a school disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for your child, please Contact the Law Firm of Altman & Altman to schedule a Free Initial Consultation with one of our experienced Massachusetts School Disciplinary Hearing Attorneys.

Our Firm’s phones are answered 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. In addition, all emails sent to the Firm receive an immediate response.