A student's education is the most important priority in their life. From learning to read and write in grade school to finishing a college or professional degree, a person's education (or lack thereof) affects where they live, what they do, and even who they date. When school disciplinary issues threaten to derail a student's academic career, it is important to put forward the best defense possible. Some students' actions may be justified or explained by problems at home, a death in the family, or a parent's divorce. Other problems may result from false accusations, misunderstandings, or mistaken identities. In many cases, choosing to retain a professional school defense advisor-attorney like Joseph D. Lento at the Lento Law Firm helps students and their families protect their educational hopes and dreams from the damages of false or unfair charges. The Lento Law Firm and its student defense team are available to help students of all educational levels across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, known as the Twin Cities to locals, is the vibrant center of Minnesota's cultural, political, economic, and educational life. While the Twin Cities may sometimes refer specifically to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Twin Cities metro area encompasses cities and towns in 21 different counties, two of which are located in Wisconsin. While Minneapolis and St. Paul are by far the largest cities, suburbs like Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Woodbury, and Maple Grove are growing quickly.
Almost two-thirds of Minnesota's entire population resides within the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area. As the third-largest metro area in Midwest, it makes sense that the Twin Cities are also home to many of the state's best schools, colleges, and universities. But with over two hundred different cities and countless schools to choose from, it can be difficult for students and parents to find help navigating disciplinary issues or other difficulties at school at the local level.
Advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in defending students and has worked with schools across the Twin Cities area. You can trust the Lento Law Firm to understand how to negotiate with a school or university to pursue a fair resolution to school discipline or academic defense issues in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, or the surrounding areas.
Student Concerns in the Minneapolis Metro Area
Students in the Twin Cities have their choice of excellent area schools from the time they begin preschool through the end of their academic careers. While a plethora of choices can prevent some student problems, all students face the same general concerns about their grades, their relationships with their friends and teachers, and their dealings with the school administration whether they are in Bloomington, Saint Paul, or Minneapolis.
The Twin Cities metro area is growing in a way that may uniquely affect students. Minneapolis and Saint Paul are growing and diversifying rapidly, and smaller cities like Bloomington, Lakeville, Woodbury, Blaine, and Apple Valley are experiencing high levels of population growth. While newcomers are good for the Twin Cities' culture and economy, the stress of adding additional people can often create problems within schools. More students can lead to bigger class sizes. Teachers may be less able to control more students, and crowding can lead to disruption and general disciplinary issues. The quality of education provided can also be strained when teachers or professors are stretched too thin. Additionally, while Minnesotans are famous for their hospitality, adding additional students from new areas, cultures, and backgrounds can lead to clashes between students or discrimination from teachers or school administrators. Leading school discipline defense attorney-advisor Joseph Lento understands these nuances and complications and can help guide you in dealing with difficulties at a school or university.
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metropolitan Area Schools
No matter where your school or university is located in the Twin Cities, experienced student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm are available to help students and their families deal with a variety of school disciplinary issues.
If your student is in high school, middle school, or still in grade school, the Lento Law Firm can help your family resolve various issues, from academic concerns to more severe problems like criminal actions or assaults. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is available to help work with school administrations and lawyers to address concerns and work towards a resolution in school districts across the Twin Cities, including:
- Minnetonka Public School District
- Wayzata Public School District
- Eden Prairie Public School District
- Edina Public School District
- Orono Public School District
- Mahtomedi Public School District
- Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District No. 196
- Delano Public School District
Parents of students at private schools may face unique challenges when dealing with their school's administration. Because the state does not fund private schools, they may have their own rules or code of conduct that are much different than those that public school students have to follow. The consequences of violating the rules at a private school can also be swift and severe, escalating quickly to possible suspensions or expulsions. When dealing with a private school administration, it is best to use the help of an experienced student advisor to prevent escalating problems with the administration. The Lento Law Firm and experienced student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento can help parents whose children attend any of the Twin Cities' private schools, like
- The Blake School
- Mounds Park Academy
- St. Thomas Academy
- Convent of Visitation School
- Providence Academy
- Trinity School at River Edge
- St. Paul Preparatory School
- Delasalle High School
- Breck School
- Benilde-St. Margaret's School
- Providence Academy
- St. Paul Academy & Summit School
- Minnehaha Academy
- Academy of Holy Angels
- The International School of Minnesota
- Hill-Murray School
- Cretin-Derham Hall
- New Life Academy
Students at colleges and universities are heavily invested in completing their academic careers. When school-related issues or concerns threaten students' academic futures, the Lento Law Firm can assist students in defending their reputations and finding an agreeable resolution. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento specializes in student defense and can help students at many institutions of higher education, including:
- Augsburg University
- Bethel College
- Carleton College
- Century College
- Concordia University
- Hamline University
- Macalester College
- Metropolitan State University
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- St. Catherine's University
- St. Paul College
- St. Olaf College
- University of Minnesota
- College of St. Scholastica
- University of St. Thomas
- William Mitchell College of Law
Student Disciplinary Defense in the Twin Cities
Defending students can mean many different things. While “defense” may bring images of courtrooms and legal proceedings to mind, much of the work that the Lento Law Firm completes on behalf of students never results in litigation. While attorney-advisor Joseph Lento is willing to pursue litigation when necessary, many school issues and concerns can be resolved through representation and negotiation. Whether a student is facing allegations of academic dishonesty, causing disruptions in school, or is accused of injuring another, the Lento Law Firm will be there to help you and your family defend yourselves.
Academic Misconduct Problems
Academic misconduct is one of the most common reasons students are suspended or expelled from universities. Colleges and universities like the University of Minnesota Twin Cities expect their students to avoid cheating, do their own research, write their own work, and avoid plagiarism. Many, like Hamline University in St. Paul, enact a student honor code that outlines forbidden behaviors and their consequences.
While preventing cheating is a laudable goal and necessary for an educational institution's reputation, it is all too common for students to be unfairly accused of academic dishonesty. Without a strong defense, the punishment for academic dishonesty can range from a failing grade on an assignment or a course to suspension or expulsion from the school.
Punishments for academic dishonesty may also be serious at younger educational levels. High school students who have been found guilty of cheating may have a notation on their permanent record that can prevent them from getting into the college of their choice. It is important for students who have been accused of academic dishonesty at any educational level to seek help defending themselves from unwarranted cheating claims. The Lento Law Firm student defense team will work with you and your school to help prevent false or unfair claims from ruining your academic career.
Non-Misconduct Academic Progression Issues
Colleges, universities, and many selective high schools and preparatory schools often require students to maintain a minimum grade point average and progress through the course of their degree. When students' grades fall, or they fail to make progress towards their degree, they can be dismissed for academic reasons. Academic progression issues can be caused by various factors, from the quality of the education provided to the effect of transfer credits to how the school determines what constitutes satisfactory “progress.” When a student fails to thrive at a school in a way that affects their eligibility to study, the student defense team at the Lento Law Firm will look for reasons that can explain or excuse a student's academic performance. Attorney-advisor Joseph Lento will evaluate the school's policies and compare how those policies are being used against the student to ensure that student evaluations are accurate and fair. If you or your child had an academic dismissal or non-misconduct issue in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Bloomington, help is available.
General Disciplinary Issues
All schools, regardless of their level of education, have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for their students. Most educational institutions will have a code of conduct that regulates student behavior and punishes offenses like fighting, bullying, property damage, trespassing, insubordination, misuse of school materials, and generally dangerous behavior. Though preventing destructive behavior is important, it is not uncommon for school administration officials to misidentify the students involved in an issue or fail to consider mitigating factors before doling out punishment. If your student has been accused of misconduct, retain attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and learn more about your options to defend against false or unfair charges.
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Issues
In addition to general misbehavior, the Lento Law Firm also defends students accused of certain types of sexual misconduct. These types of issues fall under the category of “Title IX” sexual misconduct. Title IX is part of a series of federal regulations that require schools that receive federal funding to take action to prevent and prohibit crimes like sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. However, a school's Title IX disciplinary policy may cover more than those issues and expand into other types of sex-based misconduct.
Allegations of a sexual nature are extremely serious and can have long-term consequences for the student's future. If you or your student were accused of sexual misconduct, it is important to speak with an experienced Title IX attorney-advisor about your legal rights and options. Don't risk your future academic and professional hopes by defending yourself from these allegations—get experienced student defense help by calling the Lento Law Firm today.
How a Student Defense Advisor Can Help
Student disciplinary charges can have long-ranging effects on a student's life. These issues can follow the student from school to school, and may affect their ability to pursue their chosen career. Don't underestimate the consequences that a disciplinary action may have. Take steps to protect yourself and your dreams by hiring a legal team with the skills, knowledge, and specialization required to defend your case. By retaining attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm's student defense team, you receive the benefit of our many years of experience helping families like yours fight back against unfair or false allegations. Call 888.535.3686 or go online to learn more about how we can help you.
