Note: This article refers to suicide. If you or a loved one is in crisis, you can call 988 for help.

Jase Emily, a 15-year-old boy in Indiana, tragically took his own life only days after being arrested for possessing a vape pen with traces of marijuana. According to the teen's family, Emily was not only arrested after the school found the pen in his locker but handcuffed by the local authorities in front of his peers, removed from the football team, and expelled from school.

The family is now suing the school district and the Clark County Sheriff's Department for office for wrongful arrest and detention. An attorney for the family says he believes Charlestown High School didn't have probable cause to search the locker, nor did they follow proper protocol in speaking with Emily without allowing him to have a meaningful consultation with an adult, such as his parents.

The Charlestown High School's handbook states that any student who possesses any drug on school property may be suspended, arrested, and expelled. The family attorney says that the punishment was too harsh for the alleged crime in this case.

Getting arrested and expelled from school can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but it can be particularly devastating for a young person. Youth in legal trouble often have difficulty seeing any positive way forward, and some may become depressed and resort to extreme acts. If you or your child is in crisis, please get in touch with the Suicide & Crisis Hotline by dialing 988. The service is available 24/7 and is free.

If your child has gotten in trouble with their school and is being unfairly punished for a minor offense, do not hesitate to consult a student discipline defense lawyer at the Lento Law Firm. We have helped numerous students through this challenging period and want to help your child, too. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. We want to protect your child's future and reputation.

Three Steps to Take if Your Child is Being Expelled from School

Remain calm. You'll naturally be frightened and upset upon receiving the news that your child is facing expulsion. But resist the impulse to scream at your child or the school administrators. Federal law gives your child the right to a fair hearing before being expelled. Your child should have the opportunity to be heard before the school takes drastic measures, and the Lento Law Firm can help ensure that happens.

Speak to your child. Calmly ask your child their side of the story. Reassure them that it is okay for them to be completely honest with you, as you must know the truth, for better or worse, before taking further action.

Seek legal help. An attorney experienced in student discipline cases can help you understand your state's laws relating to school discipline, the school's student conduct code, and what to expect from a disciplinary hearing. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can help you build a strong defense.

Speak to an Experienced Student Discipline Defense Attorney

Your child isn't necessarily out of options if they face expulsion from school. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to advocate for your child's best interest and give them a clear voice in the disciplinary process. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or reach out to us online. We are ready to fight for your child's academic future and reputation.