Types of Special Education Cases

At the Hull Firm, we specialize in representing children with disabilities or those suspected of having a disability whose education rights have been violated. Our primary goal is to ensure that these children receive the special education and services they are entitled to. Below are some of the most common school offenses for which families may contact our firm for assistance:

504 Plans and Meetings
Does your child need accommodations to succeed in school? We provide expert support and advocacy during 504 Plan meetings, ensuring your child receives the accommodations and support they need under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Let us help you navigate the process and secure a plan that addresses your child’s unique needs.

Child Find and Eligibility Cases
Is your child struggling in school but not receiving the support they need? We help parents navigate the Child Find process to ensure schools properly identify, evaluate, and determine eligibility for special education services. Let us advocate for your child’s right to a thorough evaluation and access to the resources they deserve.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings
Are you preparing for an IEP meeting and need support? We specialize in advocating for customized educational plans that address your child’s unique needs and ensure they receive the special education services and accommodations necessary for success. Let us help you navigate the IEP process and secure the best outcomes for your child.

Independent Education Evaluations (IEE)
Do you need an unbiased assessment to ensure your child’s educational needs are met? We assist parents in obtaining Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) to provide accurate insights into their child’s strengths and challenges. These evaluations can support requests for appropriate special education services and ensure your child receives the support they deserve.

Manifestation Determination Hearings (MDR)
Is your child facing disciplinary action and has a disability? We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of students during Manifestation Determination Hearings (MDR) by ensuring schools follow federal laws and determine whether the behavior was linked to your child’s disability. Let us help protect your child’s access to special education services and a fair process.

State Educational Complaints
Has your child’s school violated special education laws? We help parents address these issues by filing state educational complaints to hold schools accountable. Our team ensures your concerns are heard and works to secure the services and supports your child is entitled to under the law.

Due Process Hearings
Are you in a dispute with your child’s school district over their special education services? We provide experienced representation in due process hearings, ensuring your voice is heard and your child’s rights are protected. Our goal is to resolve conflicts swiftly and secure the support and accommodations your child needs to thrive.

Student Discipline Defense: Types of Violations

At the Hull Firm, we stand by to assist students who have been suspended for at least 10 days or are facing suspension, as a result of charges brought by their schools for violating the student code of conduct. We provide representation for the student accused of the code violation at the following stages in the tribunal process:

• Initial tribunal/disciplinary hearings;
• Appeal to the Local Board of Education
• Appeal to the State Board of Education

Below are some of the most common school offenses for which families may contact our firm for assistance:

Alcohol: Violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or consumption of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or substances represented as alcohol. Students under the influence of alcohol may be included if it results in disciplinary action.

Arson: Unlawful and intentional damage or attempted damage to any real or personal property by fire or incendiary devices.

Battery: Intentional touching or striking of another person to intentionally cause bodily harm. (Note: The key difference between battery and fighting and is that fighting involves mutual participation.)

Bullying: A pattern of behavior, which may include written, verbal, physical acts, or through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology occurring on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive so as to have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education, threatening the educational environment, or causing substantial physical harm or visibly bodily harm.

Breaking/Entering Burglary: Pervasive intimidated or threatens educational environment.

Breaking/Entering Burglary: Unlawful or unauthorized forceful entry into a school building or vehicle (with or without intent to commit theft). (Note: The key difference between Trespassing and Breaking & Entering-Burglary is that Trespassing does not include forceful entry into the school building.).

Bus Misconduct

Classroom Disruption: Student Incivility; Minor disruption that includes not following hallway, restroom, cafeteria and other school area behavior matrix rules; Major disruption outside classroom that requires administrative intervention.

Computer/Internet Misuse: Use of a school computer for anything other than instructional purposes or unauthorized use of a computer or computer network with the intention of deleting, obstructing, interrupting, altering, damaging, or in any way causing the malfunction of the computer, network, program(s) or data.

Disorderly Conduct: Any act that substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment, or poses a threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare of students, staff or others. (Includes disruptive behaviors on school buses).

Disrespect to Teacher/Staff: Disrespect to school personnel that is generally considered disrespectful actions; Inappropriate language directed towards school personnel

Dress Code Violation: Violation of school dress code that includes standards for appropriate school attire.

Drug Possession: Unlawful use, cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance, or equipment or devices used for preparing or using drugs or narcotics; or any medication prescribed to a student or purchased over-the-counter and not brought to the office upon arrival to school.

Fighting: Mutual participation in a fight involving physical violence where there is no one main offender and an intent to harm (Note: The key difference between fighting and battery is that fighting involves mutual participation.)

Gambling: Engaging in a game or contest in which the outcome is dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, and in which a participant stands to win or lose something of value.

Gang-related Activities: Any group of three or more students with a common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, or attire which engage in school disruptive behavior.

Inappropriate Language: Use of vulgar or inappropriate language towards another student.

Possession of Unapproved Items: The use or possession of any unauthorized item disruptive to the school environment. (Note: The use of fireworks or incendiary devices must be coded as Arson.)

Serious Bodily Injury: The term “serious bodily injury” means bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death, protracted and obvious disfigurement; or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.

Sexual Harassment: Nonphysical and unwelcome sexual advances, lewd gestures or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature; requests for sexual favors; possession of sexually explicit images; gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.

Sexual Offense: Unlawful sexual behavior, sexual contact without force or threat of force, or possession of sexually explicit images; can be consensual.

Threat/Intimidation: Any threat through written or verbal language or act which creates a fear of harm and/or conveys a serious expression of intent to harm or violence without displaying a weapon and without subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.

Tobacco Possession: Possession, use, distribution, or sale of tobacco products on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and on transportation to and from school.

Vandalism: The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private property without consent.

Weapons Offenses: The possession, use, or intention to use any type of knife