NewsWSVN 7 News 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 student with autism who was accused of striking a teacher at American Senior High School. The student's family and legal counsel are seeking dismissal, citing the student's inability to understand the legal proceedings, while the case remains active with a court date scheduled for August 26.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
The case highlights ongoing legal and administrative conflicts between a student with special needs, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, and the local criminal justice system regarding the handling of school-based incidents.
Key Facts
- The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office denied a request to dismiss battery charges against 21-year-old Halle Hansen.
- Halle Hansen is a student with autism who was removed from American Senior High School following an incident involving a confiscated cell phone.
- The student's attorney, Michael Pizzi, claims court-appointed psychologists found the student is not capable of understanding the legal proceedings.
- The family has previously initiated legal action against the Miami-Dade school board and school police department regarding the incident.
- The next court appearance for the case is scheduled for August 26.
- The student has been removed from the school system and the family is currently seeking a new school placement.
Who's Mentioned
personHalle Hansen“21-year-old student with autism facing battery charges”personEsther King“Mother of Halle Hansen”organizationMiami-Dade State Attorney's Office“Prosecuting authority”organizationMiami-Dade County Public Schools“School district involved in the dispute”locationAmerican Senior High School“Site of the alleged incident”personMichael Pizzi“Attorney representing Halle Hansen”