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Kevin Shields
Special Education Law throughout Texas
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Biography
Serving Texas families in Special Education, Guardianship, Special Needs Planning and Medicaid Planning matters.
Education
- University of Texas - Austin
- Honors: High Honors
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- Georgetown University Law Center
- J.D.
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Professional Experience
- Shields Law Firm
- Current
Certifications
- Conflict Mediation
- Universtiy of Texas
Professional Associations
- Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
- Current
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- State Bar of Texas  # 24098742
- Member
- Current
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- American Bar Association
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
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- Maryland
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- Texas
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Fees
- Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Special Education Lawyer
Practice Areas
- Education Law
- Civil Rights
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law
Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
- Q. My son is autistic and in the special needs program at his elementary school. Can I have a say in making modifications
- A: Yes, absolutely. As the parent, you are a member of any group that meets to decide services or placement for your son. The law is clear regarding parent participation in meetings: The parents of a child with a disability must be afforded an opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to - (i) The identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child; and (ii) The provision of FAPE to the child. 34 CFR 300.501 (b) Your son's IEP team is a good place to start and voice your concerns. If you cannot make progress with the IEP team, using a special education advocate or lawyer may help. No matter how you proceed though, you should have a voice in the process.
- Q. Do the parents of the minor have to be present when the minor makes a verbal /written statement to school & local police
- A: Parents need not be present while school officials are asking questions of a student in most cases. However, if the questioning was by the police or your child was in police custody, constitutional protections may be triggered. You may want to consult a local criminal lawyer about the specific details of your case.
- Q. I got a ticket for possession of alcohol on school grounds but I only had a bottle that smelled like beer
- A: While you were at a school, this is more of a criminal law question and are likely being charged under your state's criminal code. Once your case goes to court, you can present whatever evidence you have during a trial. It may be helpful to contact a local criminal lawyer about your individual facts.
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