How School Fights and Bullying Can Lead to Juvenile Criminal Charges

Whether it’s a physical altercation, verbal threats, or harassment online, schools are increasingly working with law enforcement to address student misconduct. That means your child could end up facing charges in juvenile court for something that might once have resulted in just a suspension.

Here’s what you need to know if your child is accused of fighting or bullying at school in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Common Criminal Charges From School Incidents

In Pennsylvania, students can be charged with several different offenses stemming from school-related incidents, including:

• Simple Assault – For hitting, punching, or intentionally causing injury

• Aggravated Assault – If the victim suffers serious injury or is a teacher/school staff

• Harassment – For unwanted physical or verbal contact, including repeated insults or threats

• Terroristic Threats – For threatening to commit violence, even if the student had no intention of acting on it

• Disorderly Conduct – For causing a public disturbance or engaging in threatening behavior

• Bullying or Cyberbullying – If the conduct occurs online or through text messages and causes emotional harm

Even pushing or shoving in a hallway can be charged as simple assault, especially if someone is injured or if school officials feel pressure to take action.

How Juvenile Charges Are Handled in Pennsylvania

When a minor is charged with a crime, their case usually goes through the juvenile justice system, which is focused more on rehabilitation than punishment. That said, juvenile charges can still carry serious consequences, including:

• Court-ordered counseling or anger management

• Probation or community service

• Out-of-home placement in a juvenile facility

• A juvenile record that may affect future school and job opportunities

In Philadelphia, juvenile cases are handled in Family Court. A defense attorney can help ensure your child’s rights are protected and work toward a resolution that minimizes long-term impact.

Bullying and Cyberbullying: When Do They Cross the Line Into Crime?

Pennsylvania schools are required to address bullying under the PA School Code, but when bullying becomes severe, repeated, or threatening, it may rise to the level of a criminal offense.

Cyberbullying—harassment via text, social media, or email—is especially common and can result in:

• Harassment charges

• Terroristic threats charges

• Unlawful use of a computer

Even if the messages were meant as a joke or sent from a fake account, students may be held legally responsible.

Can a Child Be Tried as an Adult?

In most cases, juveniles stay in the juvenile system. However, if the charge is serious—such as aggravated assault, gun possession, or sexual assault—the district attorney may seek to transfer the case to adult court.

A defense attorney can fight to “decertify” the case, keeping it in juvenile court, where the focus remains on treatment and rehabilitation instead of punishment.

What Parents Should Do Immediately

If your child is accused of fighting or bullying at school:

✅ Do not allow your child to speak to police or school officials without a lawyer present
✅ Gather evidence, including text messages, social media posts, or witness names
✅ Speak to a criminal defense attorney who has experience with juvenile cases
✅ Attend all school disciplinary hearings and request copies of incident reports
✅ Consider requesting a psychiatric evaluation if there are emotional or behavioral concerns

Acting early can help prevent a juvenile charge from turning into a lifelong issue.

Can Juvenile Records Be Sealed or Expunged?

Yes—but not automatically. Once the case is resolved, your attorney can petition to expunge your child’s juvenile record if:

• The case was dismissed or withdrawn

• The child successfully completed probation

• Enough time has passed without new charges

Expungement is essential to ensure a clean slate for your child as they move forward.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If your child has been accused of fighting, bullying, or cyberbullying in a Pennsylvania school, the stakes are high—and the consequences can be life-changing. With over 30 years of experience in juvenile defense, Mark D. Hauser provides compassionate, aggressive representation for young people and their families in Philadelphia and across the state.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.