my son 12 yo was issued a citation for dissorderly conduct fighting. It was clearly self defense but according to school policy both parties...

Question

my son 12 yo was issued a citation for dissorderly conduct fighting. It was clearly self defense but according to school policy both parties are at fault. Am i better off pleading innocent on grounds of self defense or pleading guilty and paying the fine or should we hire a lawyer?

Answer

If he's not guilty, you should plead "not guilty."

It would be a good lesson for your son to learn that:

1. He doesn't have to let himself be attacked.

2. He doesn't have to go along with the system.

3. He will occasionally find himself aligned against stupid, bumbling bureaucracies, and he should fight for what's right.