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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, and Special Needs Planning.
Practice Areas
- Education Law
- Civil Rights
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Fees
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Special Education Lawyer
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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Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
- Shields Law Firm
- Current
Education
- University of Texas - Austin
- Honors: High Honors
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- Georgetown University Law Center
- J.D.
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Professional Associations
- State Bar of Texas # 24098742
- Member
- Current
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- Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
- Current
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- American Bar Association
- Current
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Certifications
- Conflict Mediation
- Universtiy of Texas
Legal Answers
6 Questions Answered
- 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 ... Read More
- 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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