Assault and threats
Fights and threats: the school case and the court case
A fight in a hallway can start two cases at once. The school has its own hearing and its own consequences, and the police may bring a charge to juvenile court. What your child says in one can be used in the other.
I work on both together, so the account that goes to the vice principal matches the one that goes to the prosecutor.
What I take
Charges in this family
Assault and fighting
A hit, a shove or a fight both sides joined. Who started it is rarely as simple as the report says.
Group fights
When several young people are charged together, their stories can pull against each other. Each one deserves a lawyer of their own.
Threats in person
Words said in anger, read as a threat. We look at what was said, to whom and what was meant.
Threats online
Posts, screenshots and group chats that a school or the police treat as a threat.
Items brought to school
A knife, a lighter or another item found in a bag. These cases move fast at school, and I get involved early.
Defending yourself
A child who hit back is not always the one who started it. Self-defense is part of the plan when it fits the facts.
Before anyone is interviewed
Three conversations to get ready for
- 01
With the school
A meeting, often called quickly. I go with you, read the incident report beforehand and hand in a written account.
- 02
With the police
An officer may ask your child to come in and talk. Your child can wait until we've spoken, and I'd ask them to.
- 03
With the court
A petition and a date. I read the report, ask for the evidence and talk with the prosecutor before the hearing.
Questions
Questions about fights and threats
Can the school punish my child while the court case is open?
Yes. The school can hold its own meeting and set its own consequences, separate from the court. That's why I go to both.
What if the other child started it?
That matters, and I'll gather what shows it: messages, witnesses, camera footage and the other child's own history with the school.
Will my child have to testify?
Almost never. Most cases end by agreement. If one goes to a hearing, I'll prepare your child long beforehand and tell you what to expect.
Has the school called about a fight?
Call before the meeting, if you can. I'll tell you what to bring and what your child shouldn't sign.