How To Prepare Your Child For A School Disciplinary Hearing

In this article, you can discover…

• How to prepare yourself and your child for an academic discipline hearing.
• Evidence and documentation to bring to your lawyer prior to the hearing.
• How to successfully respond to allegations made by the school board. 

What’s The First Step I Should Take If My Child Is Required To Attend An Academic Disciplinary Hearing?

Reach out to an experienced legal advisor who can help guide you through the process. Call the moment you are made aware of an impending hearing, as these proceedings tend to move quickly without much notice. This gives your attorney more time to review evidence and help you and your child prepare for the disciplinary hearing. 

Next, reach out to your child’s school in writing and request a copy of all evidence that they’re going to be using against your son or daughter. This can include witness statements, reports, and video or photo evidence. Be sure to request these documents in writing, as verbal requests may be waved aside or neglected. Having a paper trail also helps hold the school accountable for ensuring that you and your lawyer have the needed information in hand. 

Be sure to let your child know not to discuss the impending hearing with anyone, online or in-person. It is important that your child not post to social media or send any text messages about the hearing or the alleged events that led to the hearing. Instruct your child to avoid all contact in-person or online with other students who may have been involved (such as a fellow student who alleges bullying). 

What Questions Should My Child Expect To Be Asked During An Academic Disciplinary Hearing?

Your son or daughter will likely be asked what happened, and what was going through their minds when the incident occurred. They’ll be asked for their point of view as to what happened. 

Following the more general and open-ended questions, more pointed and specific questions about the events will likely be asked. An attorney can help your child prepare for those questions and help them understand the best ways to respond.

Your child does not have to speak during a hearing, but speaking up can give a student the opportunity to tell their side of the story in their own words. This can be more effective and meaningful than having an adult speak for them throughout the entire hearing. It can also help those conducting the hearing get a sense that your child is sincere and willing to take responsibility for their actions.

Attorney Michael Barber is a hard-working lawyer serving Orange County, Florida. For over 10 years, he’s helped children and their parents prepare for academic hearings, review and present meaningful evidence, and enter hearings well-equipped.

Have questions about a child’s academic disciplinary hearing? Need help or astute representation?
Reach out to The Michael D. Barber Law Office at (407) 890-8472 for an initial consultation today!

How Can One Practice Answering Questions For An Academic Discipline Hearing?

Your lawyer can review all evidence and help you and your child understand what to expect, how to respond to questions, and which points to respond to personally. 

It’s common for young students to be nervous speaking in front of adults, and I’ll likely ask your child to write out what they plan to say beforehand so that I can review their statement and help them refine and polish their response. 

Being prepared, and going over responses to questions ahead of time are all helpful approaches that I use to help prepare both children and their parents which can significant reduce the amount of stress and anxiety that you and your child have about the hearing

What Sort Of Documentation And Evidence Do I Need?

Be sure to request copies of all evidence that the school board has pertaining to your child’s case. All witness statements and reports. Go through your child’s social media posts, cell phone photos and videos, and text messages to see if any evidence exists that could be used against them or used in their defense. 

Requesting and obtaining surveillance video from the school will also be helpful, and can give you and your attorney a better understanding of the allegations against your child. In some cases, this footage may exonerate your child entirely. 

If other witnesses to the incident can be found, reaching out to them for a statement or testimony can also be helpful. While other possible witnesses cannot be compelled to testify, voluntary witness statements from peers or teachers on your child’s behalf are often helpful. A lawyer can help you reach out to these people and professionally request their cooperation.

How Should My Child Dress And Behave At An Academic Disciplinary Hearing?

Your child should always dress their best. Smart clothing is always preferable, similar to what one might wear to a job interview. If your child doesn’t have dress clothes, a neat and tidy appearance in a polo shirt and khakis can work, too. Make sure that attire is respectful and neat because it can help make a good impression on the hearing officer. 

I always tell my clients to sit up straight, pay attention, and sit as still as possible. This helps convey to the hearing that your child is taking the proceedings seriously, is mature, and is being respectful of the hearing and the adults involved. All of this can go a long way in creating a silent yet effective positive impression on attendees and help you and your child convey the appropriate sincerity.

For more information on How To Prepare Your Child For A School Disciplinary Hearing, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (407) 890-8472 today.