Teen Faces Assault Charges In School Fight

Most of us have witnessed fights among students in middle school and high school. Typically, the students would get caught and get suspended for several days. However, punishment can get much more severe when someone is seriously injured.

This was recently the case for a middle schooler in Maryland. A 13-year-old girl was arrested on January 31 after she assaulted another girl on school grounds and left her unconscious.

The assault happened at Matthew Henson Middle School in Indian Head. The two girls were engaged in a fight in the bus parking lot. One middle schooler kicked another girl in the head repeatedly right at 3 p.m. just as school was being dismissed. The victim, an eighth grader, could be seen with visible injuries and was unconscious. A school resource officer responded and the girl was taken to a local hospital.

Police arrested the offender. She is being charged as a juvenile for multiple criminal charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

Some children reportedly recorded the assault and posted it on social media. The principal of the school states that this behavior could be subject to punishment. The investigation into the assault is ongoing.

What Happens When a Child is Assaulted at School?

When a child is kicked, punched, deliberately injured, or assaulted in some other way while at school, who is at fault? Usually, it’s the offender’s fault, but sometimes the school can also be held liable.

For example, if the offender had previous incidents in which they committed assault on a student, then school officials should be aware that the child poses a danger to others. If the school failed to properly discipline the student and the attacks continued to happen, then the school could be at fault.

This is especially true if there were previous issues between the students involved. For example, if parents complained that their child was being bullied, and the school ignored the situation and it then led to physical injuries, then the school could be responsible for not taking the situation seriously enough.

However, the school cannot be held liable in all situations. For example, it would not be responsible for a sudden fight that happens between two students. However, school officials should step in to stop any fights that do occur. Plus, they should strive to provide a safe, secure environment for all students.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Assault can encompass a variety of acts. School fights can fall under this category, as well as other types of unwanted contact and even verbal threats.

If you have been accused of assault, you need a solid defense or else you could face prison time and fines. Seek legal help from the Columbia assault lawyers at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

wtop.com/charles-county/2022/02/charles-co-middle-schooler-arrested-in-assault-that-left-girl-unconscious/