Recently, a Moreno Valley charter school student made headlines when she accidentally released pepper spray in a classroom. On 27^th September 2023, the elementary school student, who had brought pepper spray to her classroom, accidentally fired it, affecting two students.

After the incident occurred, Riverside County sheriff's deputies and paramedics were summoned to the campus at around 1pm, to investigate and provide medical aid to the affected students. The paramedics cleared all those who were exposed to the pepper spray, but had to take two students to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The school has not disclosed whether or what repercussions the student responsible for this incident will face.

There are many reasons a student may want to carry pepper spray to their school, but it could land them in disciplinary trouble, especially if it is advertently or inadvertently used by them or another student.

Although pepper spray is an important self-defense tool that allows many people to feel safe as they make their way to and from their school, university, or workplace, it is also a weapon, and most schools prohibit the use or possession of weapons on campus. It is important to be aware of your school's rules surrounding the use and possession of weapons to avoid inadvertently getting caught up in a disciplinary case. If that does happen, consult the Lento Law Firm to understand how the allegations against your student could affect their future. You can call us at 888.535.3686 or consult us online.

Why Students Might Need to Carry Pepper Spray

One may think of schools as a safe space for students to learn and grow, but schools can feel unsafe at times. Bullying, hazing, or sexual harassment can happen anywhere, including within school grounds, and on the way to or from school. Feeling at risk from bullies or harassers may cause students to feel the need to carry pepper spray to defend themselves. In other cases, students may want to impress their classmates or friends by carrying a weapon to school, or may not know the effect pepper spray can have.

However, simply being in possession of a can of pepper spray can land you or your student in disciplinary trouble. If that happens, an experienced attorney can help you navigate school disciplinary procedures and make sure your student isn't punished unduly.

What To Do if Your Student Gets Into Trouble for Carrying Pepper Spray

Despite school rules banning the possession of weapons, there are many reasons why your student may feel the need to bring pepper spray or a self-defense weapon to school. If they get into disciplinary trouble with the school, consider consulting the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. With years of experience helping students avoid unduly strict punishments and disciplinary action from school authorities, the Lento Law Firm can protect your student and fight for their rights.

Possession of a weapon, however innocently, is taken very seriously by school authorities, and could result in severe disciplinary action or even expulsion of your student. Having an attorney to fight for your student ensures that their interests are properly represented, and any mitigating circumstances or other evidence in their favor, is emphasized properly.

Do not let a stray mistake ruin your student's academic record. The experienced attorneys on the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you protect your student against extreme sanctions. Call us at 888.535.3686 or reach out online to learn more about how we can help you.