It's no secret that students face a great deal of stress while attending school. In addition to completing their coursework, they must also worry about standardized tests, meeting deadlines, and getting along with their teachers. And if they make the mistake of getting into trouble with their educators or their school administration, that stress can turn into full-blown panic.
Students often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves against disciplinary action taken by their schools. They may not know what rights they have or how to present their case effectively. This can lead to unfair punishments and long-term negative consequences. At the Lento Law Firm, our experienced student discipline defense team understands how to interact and negotiate with school administrators and officials. Student discipline defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is available to help students throughout the Omaha area defend themselves against disciplinary actions and protect their educational careers.
The Omaha Metropolitan Area
Omaha is a center of business, education, art, and culture for much of the Midwest. Many major companies are headquartered in Omaha, and the area attracts many students and young families. The Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont metropolitan area is the largest metro area in Nebraska and Iowa. Located in between the two states on the Missouri River, the Omaha metro area covers five counties in Nebraska and three in Iowa. While Omaha may be the largest city in the metro area, there are over a million people who live within 50 miles of downtown Omaha in suburbs and towns like Bellevue, Council Bluffs, Papillion, La Vista, Fremont, Blair, Plattsmouth, and Glenwood.
In addition to being a center for business, Omaha is also home to over a dozen schools and universities. Students from throughout the Midwest travel to Omaha to complete their education. At the Lento Law Firm, we have worked with students at private schools, colleges, and universities all over the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont metropolitan area and understand the unique challenges of student disciplinary problems in this area.
Omaha Metro Area Student Concerns
Students in Omaha enjoy the unique advantage of having the benefits of living in a large city with the peace and quiet of country life. However, because the Omaha metropolitan area is so large and covers so much land, many students have a long commute to school. There are a number of ways in which lengthy commutes can hurt student performance. First, students may miss out on valuable sleep because they have to leave for school so early in the morning or get back so late at night. This can lead to problems with focus and concentration in class. Additionally, long commutes often mean that students don't have enough time for homework or other activities. This can cause them to fall behind their classmates and even affect their grades. Finally, commuting can also prevent students from attending study groups, extra credit activities, or other important events.
When problems with a student's commute create problems at school, the student could be subject to disciplinary action. Experienced attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has worked with many students who have run afoul of their school administration. If you are facing school discipline because you fell behind in class, had trouble with behavioral issues, or were accused of academic misconduct, the experienced student defense professionals at the Lento Law Firm will work with you and your school administration to get you back on track.
Omaha Metro Area Schools
The city of Omaha and its surrounding suburbs boast a wealth of educational institutions. There are many public universities, private universities, and professional and graduate schools in the Greater Omaha area from which students and their families can choose. The Lento Law Firm is available to assist students at all of these institutions, including:
- Bellevue University
- Clarkson College
- College of Saint Mary
- Metropolitan Community College
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Nebraska Methodist College
- Creighton University
- Creighton University School of Law
- Creighton University School of Medicine
- Creighton University School of Dentistry
- Heider College of Business
- Doane College
- Grace University
- Nebraska Christian College
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm are also available to assist younger students in grade school, middle school, and high school. Our team can help students in any school district in the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont area, including:
- Elkhorn Public Schools
- Millard Public Schools
- Westside Community Schools
- Bennington Public Schools
- Papillion-La Vista School District
- Springfield Platteview Community Schools
- Lewis Central Community School District
- Gretna Public Schools
- Yutan Public Schools
- Douglas County West Community Schools
Many parents in the Omaha area choose to send their children to one of the over 600 private schools in and around the city. If your student is facing disciplinary problems at any of these schools, the Lento Law Firm can help:
- Holy Cross
- St. Robert Bellarmine School
- St. Stephen the Martyr School
- Creighton Preparatory School
- St. Cecilia Grade School
- Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School
- Mount Michael Benedictine High School
- Marian High School
- Gulliver Preparatory School
- Mercy High School
- V.J. & Angela Skutt Catholic High School
- Roncalli Catholic High School
- Gross Catholic High School
- Omaha Christian Academy
- Concordia Junior/Senior High School
- Cornerstone Christian School
Disciplinary Defense in the Omaha Metro Area
When a student is facing disciplinary action from their school, the consequences can be much more severe than a slap on the wrist. First, most types of school disciplinary actions for student misbehavior result in a permanent notation on the student's record, which could follow them for years into the future. For students who have gotten into trouble academically, they could be forced to accept a failing grade or retake a class if the school finds evidence of cheating. Students with behavioral issues often face suspensions—either from attending school itself or from participating in field trips, extracurricular activities, or sports. In cases of serious misbehavior, students may be suspended for several days, weeks, or even permanently expelled from the school. Finally, when a student is removed from school, they often forfeit any tuition or other expenses that they paid.
Because the consequences of student misbehavior can be so extreme, students or the parents of students must get help dealing with disciplinary issues as soon as possible. At the Lento Law Firm, we understand how important your education is, and we can help you negotiate a resolution to issues or concerns at school. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has worked with students and schools across Omaha and the Midwest and will work to resolve your issues in a fair and just manner.
Academic Progression Issues
All schools require their students to meet certain criteria to earn a degree. This means that students must take a specified number of credits each semester and earn a minimum grade point average. When students fail to progress academically as their school requires, they may face several types of consequences. Usually, a student is put on academic probation, during which they may be required to take remedial classes, attend tutoring sessions, or take summer school. If the student cannot raise their grades at the end of the semester or year, the student can be academically suspended or dismissed.
Problems with academic progression can happen for a variety of justifiable reasons. However, the punishments for failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress can be severe and have long-lasting effects. Dealing with academic progression issues can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it on your own. The Lento Law Firm has years of experience helping students get back on track academically with their schools.
Academic Misconduct Issues
Academic misconduct can apply to many types of behavior. In general, academic misconduct means that a student has been dishonest or gained an unfair advantage. Every school will define what types of actions constitute academic misconduct, so it is important to understand your school's definitions. For example, Creighton University's graduate-level academic misconduct policy includes research misconduct in its definition of academic misconduct. Most schools, however, prohibit the same types of behaviors: cheating, plagiarism, misusing resources or materials or providing unauthorized aid.
If you or your child has been accused of academic misconduct, it is important to take action and call student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento today. A finding of academic misconduct can result in a failing grade, a suspension, or, more likely, an expulsion from school without intervention. At the Lento Law Firm, we have successfully defended many students from allegations of academic misconduct and will work diligently to represent your interests.
Behavioral Misconduct Issues
Misbehavior is a part of growing up, and students of all ages may occasionally get into trouble. There are, however, a few key differences between typical student behaviors that might cause a warning or meeting with school officials and misconduct that could lead to suspension or expulsion. First, the severity of the behavior matters - minor disruptions or rule-breaking may only result in a warning, while more serious offenses may lead to more significant consequences. Additionally, the context of the behavior is important – a student that is in trouble for fighting, for example, may warrant a less severe punishment if it is proven that the student was not the aggressor and was acting in self-defense. Finally, each school's own policies may determine how severe the punishment may be. For instance, schools with a "zero-tolerance" policy against certain types of behaviors may take immediate action against a student regardless of the circumstances.
When students face discipline for behavioral misconduct, it can be tempting the fight the charges alone. However, representing yourself against student disciplinary charges is dangerous. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento can help you understand the allegations against you and show you how to defend yourself effectively. He can also provide guidance on what steps to take next, such as filing an appeal if the student is suspended or expelled. Having the experienced student defense team at the Lento Law Firm by your side can help you feel more confident and prepared as you navigate the disciplinary process.
Title IX Sexual Misconduct Issues
In addition to the typical student behavioral issues that may lead to school disciplinary action, all schools that receive federal money must also have policies related to Title IX sexual misconduct. Title IX is a part of a federal law that mandates that schools take action to stop and punish gender or sex-based offenses or discrimination. School Title IX policies may prohibit many different actions, from sexual harassment or sexual assault to revenge pornography, sending or receiving illicit photographs, or internet-based offenses.
When a student is accused of a Title IX offense, the school must conduct an investigation to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support the charges. This investigation will typically involve interviews with the student and any witnesses and may also include a review of any evidence related to the case. If there is enough evidence, there will be a hearing where the student has a right to be represented. Experienced student defense attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has represented hundreds of students at Title IX hearings in Omaha and across the country. He and the Title IX defense team at the Lento Law Firm will ensure that your school follows proper Title IX procedures and that your rights are protected.
School Discipline Defense Attorney-Advisor Value
Disciplinary actions can be frightening for any student. The uncertainty of not knowing what to expect and the prospect of losing out on their education can cause many fears. Successfully completing an education requires years of time, tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and fees, and extraordinary effort and dedication. When your educational success is threatened by school disciplinary actions, it is important to take action.
At the Lento Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to helping students understand their rights and create an effective defense. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has worked with hundreds of schools and understands how school policies and procedures work. Our team of student defense professionals can provide guidance and support for both the student and their parents during this difficult time. If you or your child is facing discipline at school in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Fremont, or any of the surrounding areas, don't wait to get the help you need. Call 888.535.3686 today and schedule your appointment.
