The Rossi Law Firm, P.A. | Statewide Representation

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The Rossi Law Firm, P.A. | Statewide Representation
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We Are With You Every Step Of The Way

We Are With You Every Step Of The Way

An Ally For Florida’s Student-Athletes

Athletes are often informal representatives of a school. As a result, schools put their athletes under immense scrutiny and have high expectations of them. Violating a school policy or having a run-in with the police can put an athlete’s academic career – and future – in jeopardy.

When it comes to protecting the rights of student-athletes, you can rely on our team at The Rossi Law Firm, P.A. With more than 35 years of experience, school sports attorney Steven Rossi has an extensive background in education law advocating for the rights of high school and collegiate athletes in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida.

Valuable Experience With All Student-Athlete Issues

You can turn to our firm for legal help with a variety of challenges such as:

Our founder has worked with many athletic associations and understands their complex regulations regarding student-athletes. Some of these associations include:

  • The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
  • The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
  • The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)

Steve Rossi brings a range of school law and criminal law experience that is rare, if not impossible, to find at other law firms. He is a former FBI agent, state prosecutor and educator. His experiences in the FBI and prosecuting crimes give him invaluable knowledge about how investigations and adjudication work. As an educator, he understands being on the inside of the education system and feels passionate about advocating for students’ rights.

What Are The Most Common Legal Issues For School Sports?

There are many potential legal issues that could affect your child’s standing at a college or university in Florida – along with their ability to participate in athletics. For instance, those on sports teams are sometimes accused of hazing or sexual harassment. Many potential allegations simply revolve around the use of alcohol on college campuses. Students may be concerned about their academic standing after being arrested for drinking underage or driving under the influence, for example. Older students could be accused of furnishing alcohol to minors. Drug-related arrests are also possible, as marijuana and study drugs – such as Adderall – are commonly used or abused on college campuses.

What Legal Actions Can You Take If Your Child Is Suspended From The Team?

A student will typically be suspended from an athletic team – or even suspended or expelled from the university entirely – if they are accused of breaking the code of conduct. An arrest could lead to disciplinary action, as could things that are prohibited even though they are not illegal – such as intellectual dishonesty.

If this happens, though, you often have a chance to appeal that decision before the college board. They may consider other ramifications or drop the allegations entirely. After all, the board often has full discretion to decide if they want to impose the punishment or not. Many students who are arrested on DUI charges, for instance, are not expelled from the university or from their athletic club – even if they are convicted in court and have to pay fines or serve other sentences.

Why It’s Important To Fight Back With An Experienced Education Attorney

It is so important to fight for your child’s rights with an experienced education attorney simply because this situation can have such a major impact on their future. Perhaps your child is on track to play professional sports, and this is going to rob them of that opportunity. Or perhaps they are simply on an athletic scholarship that is allowing them to obtain a free education. Losing the chance to get that degree could have a major impact on their financial future. It is critical to understand all of the legal options that you and your student have at this time.

Contact An Education Law Attorney For Help Today

Your athletic career is incredibly important. The Rossi Law Firm, P.A., will do everything in its power to protect it. To learn more, please call our Fort Lauderdale office toll-free at 888-674-2051 or send us an email to set up an initial consultation.