The teacher licensing board in North Dakota has suspended the license of a teacher who has been accused, but not convicted, of child abuse unrelated to her work as a teacher. 

The teacher, Rhawnie Marcellais, worked in a school near the Turtle Mountain Reservation when she was indicted by a grand jury in March 2023 on multiple federal charges related to child abuse. She is accused of throwing a glass bottle at a child as well as of assaulting and threatening a witness who told prosecutors she witnessed that incident.  

Experienced Help is Available 

If you are in a similar situation and your professional license is threatened due to accusations of misconduct or a crime, you need to call the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.  

Though Marcellais' alleged incidents did not occur on school premises and were unrelated to school activities, after being charged, she voluntarily resigned from her teaching position. If she is convicted or pleads guilty to any aspects of the case, her teaching license will be revoked. If she is acquitted, she has the option to petition the board for reinstatement of her license. 

Presumption of Innocence 

Unfortunately, sometimes, simply being accused is enough to jeopardize your career, even if you're innocent of the allegations. Marcellais now finds herself thrust into the legal spotlight, facing serious consequences and potentially irreparable damage to her reputation. 

But accusations are not convictions. In our justice system, everyone is entitled to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle is especially important in cases like Marcellais', where emotions run high, and the court of public opinion can be unforgiving. 

What To Do in This Situation 

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, facing accusations of misconduct or a crime, there are essential steps you should take to protect your rights and navigate the legal process:  

• Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Avoid discussing the allegations with anyone other than your lawyer. This includes refraining from posting about the situation on social media. 
• Hire an Experienced Lawyer. A skilled legal team like ours at Professional Legal Defense is your greatest ally when your livelihood and reputation are under attack. We will provide you with invaluable guidance, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way. Call the legal team at Professional License Defense today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.  
• Preserve Evidence and Documentation. Documenting any evidence relevant to your case can be critical in building a strong defense. This includes gathering witness statements, preserving electronic communications, and collecting any other documentation that may support your innocence.  
• Stay Resilient. Legal proceedings can be emotionally and mentally draining. It's essential to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. With a skilled defense lawyer by your side, you can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.  

By following these steps and enlisting the help of the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Call the Professional License Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.