Education
School Law Lawyers, including Maryland Special Education Law Suspension & Expulsion
Has your child returned home from school with a letter saying that they are being suspended or expelled from school? What should you do? Who should you talk to and what should you say? These are difficult times in a family’s life and Blackford & Flohr’s education lawyers are ready to help you and your child through it.
Call us to discuss your case: (410) 647-6677
The highest court in our land declared in Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975) that the United States Constitution guarantees important due process rights even where the student school suspension is only temporary.
Blackford & Flohr will provide an Anne Arundel County lawyer who is helpful in student discipline cases by providing the negotiating and advocacy skills necessary to protect all of your child’s rights. The timeline for most initial phases of a student discipline case is very short. Important decisions about investigation and presentation must be made quickly.
Our Severna Park based law firm is available for conferences at the school, appeals to both the County Board and the Maryland State Board of Education.
In certain cases, our education lawyers may also provide consultation to prepare parents and students to represent themselves in a school discipline hearing.
Special Education Law
What if your child is struggling in school and still not succeeding? Under both Federal and Maryland law, your child is entitled to the same quality of education as any other student. If your child is not receiving the support they need, legal action may be necessary to ensure their educational rights are protected. The special education attorneys at Blackford & Flohr are here to help make sure of it.
Blackford & Flohr, LLC is available to consult with parents and their children in cases of Individual Education (IEP) Plans, 504 Plans (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794), and “Manifestation Hearings” in connection with student discipline cases. We also are available to help facilitate mediation between the parties, upon request.
We provide litigation for clients in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Washington DC, Annapolis, and surrounding areas.
There are many rights each student has under both the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Maryland law. Some of the recognized disabilities include: autism, blindness, hearing impairment, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, orthopedic impairments, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), speech or language impairment, and brain injury.
- Autism
- Blindness
- Hearing impairment
- Emotional disturbance
- Orthopedic impairment
- ADD
- ADHD
FAQs
A lawyer can help by advocating for your child’s rights, attending IEP meetings, negotiating with the school district, and, if necessary, filing complaints or lawsuits to ensure your child receives the appropriate education and services they are entitled to under the law.
If your child is facing suspension or expulsion, it’s important to understand their rights and the school’s disciplinary process. You should receive written notice of the charges and the right to a hearing. A lawyer can help you navigate the process, represent your child at the hearing, and ensure their rights are protected.
A manifestation determination review is a process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when a student with a disability is facing a suspension or expulsion of more than 10 days. The review determines if the student’s behavior was a result of their disability or a failure to implement the IEP.
A lawyer can help by ensuring the review is conducted fairly, advocating for the student’s rights, presenting evidence and arguments on behalf of the student, and ensuring that the school complies with all legal requirements.
If you disagree with the school’s disciplinary decision, you have the right to appeal. A lawyer can help you file an appeal, represent you in hearings, and negotiate with the school district to seek a more favorable outcome for your child.
If the school denies your child special education services, you can request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at the school’s expense, file a complaint with the state education agency, or request a due process hearing. A lawyer can assist you in challenging the denial and advocating for your child’s educational needs.
Contact Us
If you need a lawyer in Maryland that can handle special education law, school disciplinary issues, or any other educational legal matters, the experienced attorneys at Blackford & Flohr are here to help. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your child receives the education they deserve and that their rights are fully protected. To find out how we can support you, please contact us today.
