Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Maryland

student to teacher

a student tried to hug and kiss me on the mouth and i had to physically push hom off of me. i submitted this information to security in my building. so far nothing has been done. can i legally press charges on this child? he is 15 years old and will be 16 in june. also, can they actually say that i provoked the student because i was friendly with him as a am with the 600 students we have in our school.


Asked on 5/18/99, 1:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: student to teacher

Yes, you COULD press charges, for assault; I doubt that behaviour

would be enough to sustain any serious charge like felony assault or attempted rape.

Children must follows laws and are not immune from prosecution, but the law is a bit

more lenient on children.

He won't likely be sent to jail, and the record

may become sealed when he comes of age in your state, so

that the misbehaviour of a child won't mar him for life.

I'm not sure what to advise on that; you need local counsel

who a) knows you better, and b) knows the local law better

than I.

I have several questions ... reply please to me directly at

[email protected] if you would, please.

1) Did you report this to his parents?

2) Why not, if not?

3) Did you report this to your own supervisor at the school?

4) If not, why not?

The why-not questions are sincere; I can certainly imagine valid

answers, e.g., don't want to take the time, don't want to hurt the

kid too bad, etc.

Are there any precautions you can take to be sure you're not alone with

him again?

Are you genuinuely afraid of physical harm? Are you afraid of having charges

brought against you instead, perhaps accusations that you tried to seduce him

or that you did seduce him and thus committed statutory rape?

You can call me at (617) 527-0050 if you would like to talk.

Read more
Answered on 5/24/99, 10:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Sexual Harassment Law questions and answers in Maryland