Lawyers For School Issues in Michigan

School suspensions and expulsions can create serious legal problems for students and their parents, especially in today’s sensitive educational environment. Oftentimes, school offenses that may have gone unnoticed or simply given a slap on the wrist in the past are now grounds for serious consequences. It has never been more important for those who have committed or accused of school offenses to seek legal counsel in order to protect their future and educational opportunities.

There are different types of school offenses under Michigan Law. These offenses not only can result in suspension or expulsion, but can also lead to juvenile criminal charges being pursued independent of the schools own disciplinary system. However this outcome is not always guaranteed. With competent legal representation from George Law’s expert defense attorneys specializing in suspensions, expulsions and other school offenses.

If you or someone you know has legal questions involving school expulsions, talk to an experienced school expulsion attorney today 248-470-4300

Types of School Offenses

The experienced defense attorneys at George Law routinely handle a number of juvenile & school related issues. These include but are not limited to the following,

• COVID-19 School Policy & Vaccinations
• Hazing and Bullying
• Title IX Issues
• School Expulsions
• School Suspensions
• Tobacco Related Offenses (i.e. Vape Pen)
• Drug Testing & Drug Charges
• Inappropriate Texting & Pictures
• Sexual Conduct
• Social Media & Cybercrimes
• Issues Involving Mental Health
• Fighting & Assault Related Offenses
• Possession of Weapons on School Grounds

Michigan School Laws

In Michigan, school offenses are specifically laid out under MCL 380.1311. This covers the main offenses, which typically results in the student being suspended or expelled from school. In extreme cases involving serious criminal misconduct, it can result in formal criminal charges being filed against the student. Below are a listing of the common penalties resulting from school offenses:

Suspension – This is the exclusion of a student from a school for a certain amount of time determined by the school administration or principal. Suspensions can also last indefinitely until certain conditions are met by the student.

Expulsion – This is the most severe form of punishment for students who commit school offenses. An expulsion is the permanent and irreversible exclusion of a student from a school.

Juvenile Criminal Charges – Certain offenses and actions by students are so grievous they not only result in expulsion from a school but also formal criminal charges. This can be from things such as physical altercations resulting in serious bodily injury, or things such as making threats and bringing weapons into the classroom.

Educational Law and Student Rights

School offenses are part of the greater realm of educational law, which in addition to suspensions and expulsions also includes academic appeals, crimes at school and student rights. Something that many students and their parents may not be aware of is that both the school administration as well as law enforcement can take action against students for offenses that occur regardless of whether they are committed on or off school property. Students should take great cars when speaking with school officials or police, as anything that is said can and will be used against them.

School Offense Attorney

As it should be clear by now, having proper legal representation is important when facing school offenses. The consequences for these offenses can have a lasting impact on a students educational opportunities as well as leaving a mark on their permanent record. Because suspensions, expulsions and other matters involving school offenses are largely handled by school administrators, there is often a level of ambiguity surrounding these situations. This can result in unfair outcomes for students, or excessive punishment.

The expert defense attorneys at George Law have many years of experience working with students and their parents regarding school offenses. Our team of lawyers will look into the details and circumstances surrounding the situation and come up with the most effective course of action to ensure the best outcome possible. If you are a student or parent of a student facing expulsion or possible criminal charges resulting from a school offense, please contact our office today for a free consultation with a school expulsion attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are Michigan school suspension laws?
The laws and policies surrounding school suspensions vary considerably depending on the individual school as well as the school district as a whole. Because what is defined as a suspension worthy offense in schools is a bit of a grey area, it is best to approach these laws on a case by case basis.

Q. What is in school suspension?
This is when a student is taken out of a normal classroom setting but still physically within the school and under the direct supervision of school personnel. Usually students are taken to the principal’s office or a specific area where they are separated from the general school population.

Q. What is out-of-school suspension?
This is a more severe form of suspension where the student is actually physically removed from the school grounds for a set period of time. These suspensions can last for a day up to weeks at a time, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. Sometimes in extreme cases the suspension will last indefinitely until the student completes certain criteria to be admitted back into the school.

Q. Does high school suspension go on your permanent record?
Yes, they do go on your permanent record which can be viewed by colleges. After a period of time this is wiped clean, usually at 21 years of age. However, like the school offenses themselves, this varies depending on the particular school where the offense occurred as well as the policy of the school district it is within.