Denton County Juvenile Lawyer – John “Tony” Ross – Denton County Criminal Lawyers
Denton County Juvenile Lawyer
Denton County Juvenile Lawyer
LIVINGSTON, TX – A high school student is suspended for accidentally bringing a beer to school in his lunch. Now his mom is fighting the suspension.
It’s been said honesty is the best policy, but Chaz Seale doesn’t believe it: “Not right now, I do not.”
Two weeks ago, the 17-year-old Livingston High School junior says he accidentally grabbed a beer from his fridge instead of a soda, then packed it in his lunch kit.
It was an honest mistake, says his mother, one that could happen to anyone.
“He was in a hurry, running late. We were talking about school, and he put it all together and took off for school,” Christi Seale said.
The teen says he realized what he did while in third period. “So I gave it to the teacher, thinking I wouldn’t get in trouble, and I got in trouble,” he said.
Chaz Seale was given three days of suspension and 60 days at an alternative school.
“I was just baffled, I said 60 days? That’s the maximum amount.”
The mom tried explaining to the school principal her son did the right thing by coming forward and feels the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.
In a statement the district says the principal of Livingston High followed appropriate administrative procedures. The district said it encourages any parent who is in disagreement with an administrative decision to seek relief through the appellate process.
A Facebook page against the strict zero-tolerance policy and in support of Chaz has already been started. It’s a welcome sign of support for a mom who is working hard to clear her son’s name.
“I think it’s not black and white. There has to be a grey area,” Christi Seale said. “You can’t punish a kid for doing the right thing, the same punishment that you would give a kid that you catch doing the wrong thing.”
Chaz’s mom is appealing her son’s suspension to try to get the punishment reduced. denton county criminal lawyers
Stories like this are becoming extremely common with children of all ages as school districts increasingly enforce “zero-tolerance” policies and even in Denton County. Children are facing alternative schooling and juvenile court allegations for many things that would have been dealt with by school officials and parents many years ago. Are school districts and police going to far with situations like this one, or has this become a necessary evil? Let us know what you think. Looking for a Denton County Juvenile Lawyer? Please feel free to contact us now!
Ross Law Offices, PC
www.RossFirm.net