NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 5, 2026Miami-Dade
Prosecutors decline to drop battery charges against 21-year-old student with autism
The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office has refused a request to dismiss criminal battery charges against a 21-year-old special needs student accused of striking a teacher. The student, who was previously removed from American Senior High School following the incident, remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
The case highlights a conflict between school disciplinary policies and the legal treatment of students with special needs, with the student's family currently seeking a new educational placement.
Key Facts
- The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office denied a request to dismiss battery charges against 21-year-old Halle Hansen.
- Hansen is a student with autism who was removed from American Senior High School after an incident involving a confiscated cell phone.
- The family has initiated legal action against the Miami-Dade School Board and school police department regarding the handling of the incident.
- Defense attorney Michael Pizzi stated that court-appointed psychologists found the student is not capable of understanding the legal proceedings.
- The student's family is currently seeking a new school placement.
- The next court appearance for the case is scheduled for August 26.
Who's Mentioned
personHalle Hansen“21-year-old student with autism facing battery charges”personEsther King“Mother of Halle Hansen”organizationMiami-Dade School Board“Subject of legal action by the family”organizationMiami-Dade State Attorney's Office“Prosecuting authority in the case”locationAmerican Senior High School“School where the incident occurred”personMichael Pizzi“Attorney representing Halle Hansen”