Giving You The Information The School Districts Will Not
Any individual in the education field – student, teacher or any other position – can face multiple consequences from a single accusation. Many individuals do not realize that an accusation that takes place against him or her in a Florida school setting can also result in a civil lawsuit, administrative action or criminal offense.
The Rossi Law Firm, P.A., represents teachers, non-instructional staff, administrators, parents and students of all ages and at all levels of education for a variety of concerns. Attorney Steve Rossi will guide you through the administrative, civil and/or criminal systems with his knowledge and experience of practicing law state wide, from the Panhandle to the Keys, for over 35 years. He and his staff will be with you every step of the way.
Representation For All Kinds Of Education Law Issues
The more you know of the options that you have in your situation, the better you can make a decision. Mr. Rossi can advocate for you in just about all manner of school disciplinary proceedings, including but not limited to:
- Charter school issues: Involving accusations of misconduct against teachers
- Private school issues: Such as parents dealing with residency issues or tuition issues
- Public school issues: Including code of conduct and ethics violations
- Special education/ESE issues: Helping parents get the educational tools and attention their children with special needs require
- Individual education plans (IEPs): Representation for parents to get their children the help they need and for teachers who have been accused of not following their students’ IEPs
- Bullying, harassment and discrimination: Teacher-to-student and student-to-student, as well as issues involving administrators
- Assault on a student: Accusations of assault by teachers and by other students
- Suspension and expulsion: Preventing misunderstandings from ruining your child’s future
- Transcripts and diplomas: Gaining important graduation information from educational institutions that may or may not be accredited
- Academic and grading disputes: Representing teachers, parents and students in disputes over academic achievement
- Teacher liability: For liability issues that affect teachers that occur in and out of the classroom
- Teacher certification suspension and revocation: Representation at hearings and appeals
- Disciplinary and conduct investigations involving students: Representing teachers as well as Caribbean medical students
- Plagiarism and cheating: Helping students counter-accusations from academic institutions
Each of these preceding areas can be mutually exclusive of each other. In other words: Even if you win your school case, you still might not win your criminal case. The reason for this is that the burden of proof in an administrative action is different than that of a criminal action. This is just one of the various examples of legal issues about which a school or school district may not adequately inform you. You need an education attorney with experience in education and school law to guide you through these situations.
Answers To Your Education And School Law Inquiries
The law that governs the education system is incredibly complicated. We understand that you are probably grappling with the many legal details of your case as well as the overwhelming sense of fear that these proceedings can cause. Here, you can read a few answers to some frequently asked questions.
If my child has been suspended or expelled, can I appeal?
The laws regarding suspension or expulsion vary depending on whether your child is in elementary school or college, a public school or a private school. In the k-12 public school system, parents may have the right to appeal a suspension or expulsion, depending on the circumstances. They also have the right to receive a written notification from the school district pending a recommended suspension or expulsion.
Can schools investigate a teacher without informing them?
In Florida, school districts have an obligation to notify a teacher or another certificate holder of a complaint and investigation — unless informing this person would harm the integrity of the investigation. Even so, many districts withhold notification from the subjects of complaints and investigations, even when notifying them would not jeopardize the process.
Do I really need an education attorney?
Do you value your professional or academic career? Do you want to have a good reputation in your community? Then, yes, you need an education and a school lawyer. The school district has no obligation to anyone but itself, even if it claims that you are a valued employee or student. You deserve an ally who understands the law and is committed to protecting your rights during any kind of difficulty.
Contact Our Office For A Consultation
Speak with an education lawyer as soon as you can to protect your rights. Call us at 888-674-2051 or send us an email to schedule your appointment. Mr. Rossi offers representation all over the state and meetings can be conducted over the phone.