High school students spend their time in classrooms listening to lectures, working on assignments, and studying to achieve better grades. However, sometimes adolescents need to let off a little steam and commonly engage in pranks to liven their moods. While pranks may serve up a few laughs, they can lead to the end of a student's career.

Prank Involving Water Guns and Fireworks Turns Laughs into Misconduct

ABC News reports that high school students engaging in a senior prank stormed their school with water guns. Administration officials explained that masked students sprayed students and staff members, among other “inappropriate” actions that included lighting fireworks inside the building. Although shooting water and setting off firecrackers may be an annoyance for some, schools will act swiftly to handle the situation. Good-natured fun can quickly become demise, as schools have no room for pranks.

School shootings and other threatening events involving weapons are among the top security concerns when protecting students and staff. There are plenty of laws on the books to mitigate guns and weapons on campus. Still, students may be unaware that possessing anything that looks like a gun or other weapon is typically grounds for dismissal.

How Do Schools Address Weapons?

California Education Code, EDC §48900 regulates the possession of “imitation firearm[s],” defined as a “replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.” While many water guns are made with bright-colored plastics, it's very simple to paint them a metallic color with easily-accessible materials like paint, markers, duct tape, and others. Moreover, if a passerby sees the outline of the water gun in a student's backpack, their first thought won't be a prank but a life-threatening event.

While some schools may follow statewide plans to mitigate weapons on campus, other schools will write their own policies. Pennsylvania's Bellefonte Area School District (BASD) regards fireworks of any kind, even those that haven't been lit, as weapons according to their rules.

BASD states that weapons include “any object, device or instrument…through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm.” Fireworks would meet that definition. Their weapons policy also explains that “objects…used to threaten, strike terror, or cause bodily harm or death even though it is normally considered not to present a danger to others” are considered weapons. Water guns aren't usually considered a danger to others, but when they're brought on campus, schools will regard them as a threat.

Consequences for Students Bringing Weapons or Replicas to School

Most schools across the country will likely use their emergency removal powers to address a situation involving student possession of a weapon or a replica. During such a situation, students will be removed from class without prior parental notice and face steep sanctions if they're found responsible.

Punishments typically lead to a separation from studies via suspension or expulsion, and the consequences last long after graduation. Students disciplined for bringing weapons to school will have a very tough time applying to college, getting a job after graduation, or joining the military or civil service. Unfortunately, getting school administration officials to see the lighter side of a prank is a tall order, and you will need professional help.

How Can Attorney Joseph D. Lento Help a Student Caught with a Prank Gone Too Far?

Bringing water guns or fireworks to school may sound like a fun prank to play, but with potential disciplinary consequences, it could derail the rest of your life. Student defense attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have helped high school students in similar situations accused of wrongdoing.

Attorney Lento and his Student Defense Team will review your school's guidelines surrounding the alleged incident to determine the best course of action for your defense. Moreover, if you are found responsible for your actions, Attorney Lento and his expert team will work diligently to appeal any unnecessary punishments and the consequences you might experience to get you back on track. Call 888-535-3686 today or visit the online consultation form.