Can I Be a Teacher in Nevada if I’ve Been Charged With Domestic Violence

When people think of teachers or educators, most people think they are good law-abiding citizens that are doing a service to the community of Las Vegas or Nevada.

They say teaching is a thankless job and that teachers are underpaid and understaffed.

Like other states, Nevada faces a teacher shortage leaving Nevada schools with larger classrooms and less options for both teachers and students.

Like every other profession, most of the people who work as a teacher or educator in Nevada are there for the right reasons.

Also, like other professions there are always a handful or group of bad apples that commit crimes and make headlines especially where teachers are concerned.

Domestic Violence in the Education System

Teachers are usually held to a higher standard both in and out of the classroom since they are responsible for caring for the education and well-being of the children of Nevada. But what happens when a teacher or educator is charged with domestic violence?

Besides the stigma associated with being charged with a crime like this, there are consequences that could affect the teaching career of the person charged with domestic violence.

Being charged with domestic violence of any kind for any reason is a daunting experience without the complications of it affecting your job, and it can have a very detrimental effect on any employment but especially professional people that require licensing to be employed in their field like teachers and lawyers.

If you have been charged with domestic violence not only do you have to face the criminal charges against you in court, but you’ll also have to fight your employer and the professional licensing agency that holds your professional license.

Fighting the criminal charges might be easier than fighting for your career.

Call The Defenders today if you’ve been charged with domestic violence and are at risk of either losing or not getting your teacher’s license.

Implications of Domestic Violence Charges on Teachers

Domestic Violence charges are serious charges that can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the offense and the severity of the crime.

Domestic Violence charges also have a stigma that is attached to them in your community.

Many individuals despite being acquitted of domestic violence charges often face significant setbacks, including job loss, employment difficulties, and barriers to education, simply because they were charged with the offense.

For teachers or potential teachers, the implications are much worse since domestic violence is the willful use of force against a person you have a domestic relationship with.

A lot of domestic relationships include children so the lines get crossed between professionals and personal.

As a teacher you are scrutinized closely due to the impact on the community and the children of Nevada.

It is likely if you are charged with domestic violence in Nevada that your teaching ability will be restricted if not terminated.

Nevada’s Commission on Professional Standards in Education

The Commission on Professional Standards in Education (COPS) is the regulatory body that is responsible for setting licensing standards, granting teaching license, and disciplining teachers.

This commission consists of eleven Nevada Governor appointees, all educators ranging from elementary school to college professors and school administrators.

This is the commission that will hear your case if you’re charged with a crime and want to either apply for a teaching license or are receiving disciplinary action for being charged with a crime.

Can I Apply to Be a Teacher With a Criminal Record?

The commission on professional standards in education may deny teaching licenses to people who have been convicted of:

• A felony
• An offense of moral turpitude including violent crimes , fraud or theft

The commission may overlook certain teachers’ criminal records if it is determined that the conviction is unrelated to the teaching position.

If your goal is to become a teacher in Nevada and you have a criminal record, you should consult with a Nevada defense attorney before you apply.

It may be possible to get the criminal record sealed or have the defense team help strategize the application in your favor.

What Causes a Disciplinary Action Against a Teacher in Nevada

As a teacher in Nevada, you may face disciplinary action if convicted of any of the following crimes:

1. A felony of any kind
2. A crime of moral turpitude including violent crimes, theft and frauds
3. Any sex offenses with a student

The commission can also bring disciplinary action against current teachers who commit misconduct including immoral or unprofessional conduct.

The Disciplinary Process for Teachers in Nevada

Depending on the location, most disciplinary procedures begin within the teachers own school district. Typically, if the teacher addresses and resolves the issue, it can be removed from their record.

A superintendent can immediately suspend a teachers license if:

• The teacher is is charged with a felony or a crime of moral turpitude or immorality or
• The suspension is considered to be in the students best interest

The suspended teacher will be entitled to a hearing to determine the consequences, where the school board will decide to revoke or reinstate the teacher’s license.

If the teacher wasn’t previously suspended, then the teacher will retain their license while the disciplinary process proceeds.

Just like court proceedings for criminal offenses like domestic violence, the board of education and the commission on professional standards in education in Nevada has a set of criteria to disciplining or revoking a teachers license.

1. The board will first notify the teacher of the charges
2. The teacher than has 25 days to request a hearing in writing
3. If the request is made in time then both the board and the teacher start the process of selecting hearing officers
4. If the teacher doesn’t reply to the charges within 15 days, the board may impose discipline. It is strongly recommended that as soon as you get notice of disciplinary action you contact a lawyer.
5. If the teacher responds, then a hearing must take place within 30 days after the hearing officers are selected
6. The hearing will take place just like a trial where both parties present evidence and witnesses for testimony.
7. After the hearing, the officers have 25 days to make a recommendation as to whether the teacher’s license is to be suspended or revoked. The Board can accept or reject this recommendation.
8. In some cases, the teacher may appeal the decision of the board

A disciplinary hearing for your teachers license resembles a trial, in that just like a trial, the evidence is presented and witnesses are called and cross-examined.

This hearing could determine the rest of your career as a teacher so just like a trial you should hire defense counsel to represent you.

If you have been charged with domestic violence and are facing disciplinary action as a teacher, call The Defenders today. Our team of experts can help you with both the criminal charges and the board of education disciplinary action.

Facing Domestic Abuse Charges? Protect Your Teaching Career

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Nevada and are a current or potential teacher, it is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your teaching career.

Not only can a conviction significantly harm your reputation and job prospects, but it can also result in the suspension or revocation of your teaching license.

At The Defenders, our experienced attorneys understand the potential consequences of domestic violence charges for teachers and are committed to protecting your rights and future.

If you are in this difficult situation, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly to defend your case and ensure that your teaching career is not unjustly impacted by these allegations.

Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions