Suspension and Expulsion

Connecticut and New York Suspension & Expulsion Lawyer

Is your child facing school suspension or expulsion?

With today’s strict zero tolerance policies, student suspensions and expulsions are on the rise. Police officers work in many schools and children can be suspended or expelled when they are accused of various offenses both on and off school grounds. There are numerous reasons schools can find to suspend or expel a student, many of which may seem unfair and discriminatory.

Even more disturbing, when a student is suspended or expelled, it sets off a chain of events that can impact a child for the rest of his/her life. Notice of student suspensions and expulsions go on a child’s educational record and may prevent a child from getting into college and/or pursuing a chosen career path.

Phillip J. Cohn will aggressively advocate for your child’s rights to protect his/her future. We will work collaboratively with you, your child, the school system, and the courts to protect your child’s record and successfully navigate the suspension and expulsion process.

Protecting the rights of students facing school suspension and expulsion

If your child is facing suspension or expulsion from public school, you have recourse. We will advocate for your child to protect his/ her record and rights. If your child is facing serious disciplinary action at school, he/ she is entitled to a hearing to determine the appropriateness of that discipline. We will represent you at these hearings. Your child is entitled to a public education and the school must demonstrate significant causes to deny your child an education.

Protecting children with special needs

Many children and teens with special needs find themselves facing school suspensions and expulsions. Attorney Phillip J. Cohn has a unique sensitivity to helping children with disabilities and special needs. We are knowledgeable regarding the many unique challenges children with special needs face in the schools and courts. We are experienced in education law, juvenile law, criminal law, and the rights governing special education.

The firm is skilled in identifying problems, proposing remedies, and negotiating solutions to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including autism; learning disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADD / ADHD); dyslexia; tourette syndrome; personality disorder; bipolar disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); and depression & anxiety.

Children with special needs have specific legal rights if they are facing suspension or expulsion

There are additional protections for children with special education needs.

• If your child faces disciplinary action at school and/or is arrested and he/she has special needs, he/she may be entitled to a manifestation hearing before suspension or expulsion.
• Students have the right to due process before being suspended for more than (10) days or expelled.
• Children with special needs are entitled to educational services, if they are suspended or expelled.

When you or your child’s voice is taken away, we can help

If your child is facing suspension or expulsion, we can help. We know the Connecticut and New York school systems and courts, and how to protect children. Contact us today!