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    Can a Connecticut Teacher Get Fired for Getting Arrested?

    Can a Connecticut Teacher Get Fired for Getting Arrested?
    • Connecticut public and private school teachers are more exposed than ever to child abuse and Connecticut Risk of Injury arrests.
    • There is no kind of governmental immunity that protects Connecticut teachers from arrest and prosecution, even if they are acting reasonably.
    • If a Connecticut teacher is suspected of child abuse, they can get arrested and be subject to a Connecticut DCF investigation and licensing issues.
    • Expect being put on paid administrative leave immediately and have your lawyer get involved asap.
    • Connecticut teacher arrest defense requires a CT criminal lawyer experienced in DCF investigations, union discipline and licensing.
    • So if you’re a Connecticut teacher who has been arrested, contact a top Connecticut Teacher Defense Lawyer today.

    Can Connecticut Teachers Get Arrested for Having Unintentional Physical Contact with Students?

    Yes. Any kind of improper physical contact between a student and teacher—incidental, accidental or unintentional—can result in an arrest for Risk of Injury (for students under 16) or Connecticut teacher arrests for Assault / Reckless Endangerment.

    Can Connecticut Teachers Argue Self-Defense or Accident if they are Arrested?

    Absolutely, but you need to hire a top Connecticut criminal teacher defense lawyer attorney right away so motions can be filed in court to preserve video and audio surveillance recordings. These tend to disappear quickly—and suspiciously.

    Can a Connecticut Teacher Be Fired for a DUI / DWI Arrest?

    Not usually, so long as it’s just a first DUI and there are no aggravating factors, such as additional criminal charges, or serious physical injury to other people. The teacher will have to notify their union rep and their principal and will also have to work closely with the Board of Education to allay any additional concerns.

    When Can a Connecticut Teacher Get Arrested for Risk of Injury / Child Endangerment?

    The best Connecticut teacher defense lawyers can explain that under Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21, risk of injury to a minor occurs under a variety of circumstances including willfully placing a child in a situation where their physical or moral well-being is endangered.

    A minor is anyone under the age of 16 in Connecticut. Depending on the conduct in question, this can be a Class B or C felony, carrying heavy prison sentences, fines, and probation.

    Can a Student’s Medical and Psych Records Be Used for Teacher Defense?

    Yes, but there’s a technical and nuanced process in court that must be followed to get hold of these records. Your Connecticut teacher defense lawyer must file “Esposito Motions” to prove that the student involved in your case had mental health or medical issues that are relevant to the case.

    DCF Always Gets Involved in Teacher Risk of Injury Arrests

    Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families ( “DCF”) will always get involved and investigate when Connecticut teachers are arrested for Risk of Injury, Reckless Endangerment or Assault. Follow this link to learn more about DCF’s response and requirement to inform an employer.

    How Can a DCF Investigation Affect my Job as a Teacher?

    If a teacher who gets arrested in Connecticut is subject to a DCF investigation, CGS § 17a-101g applies and DCF will notify your employer (for more on this, click here). This involves the teacher being placed on administrative leave from their job throughout the pendency of the investigation. Further it can lead to media reports that can damage one’s reputation.

    Contact a Connecticut Teacher Defense Lawyer Today

    If you are a Connecticut teacher who has been arrested for DUI, child abuse or neglect, get in touch with the teacher criminal defense lawyers at Mark Sherman Law today. We have been representing educators for over 20 years and can handle all aspects of your case, including DCF and employment issues. Check out our reviews on the certified Avvo.com website and call us today at (203) 358-4700.