Judge Tom

As for your school, they may take action and impose consequences if they have reason to believe you made the bomb threat. Keep in mind that you can ask for a hearing and have the opportunity to be heard before action is taken. You can also appeal any decision made by your school. The possible consequences like suspension, etc. as well as the hearing and appeals process should be outlined in your Student Handbook. Talk this over with your parents and perhaps request a meeting with the principal. It’s possible that a meeting with a school official can quickly resolve the matter. In order for an arrest to be made, the police have to investigate the matter and find “probable cause” (a legal standard) that a crime was committed before making an arrest. Whether or not people’s statements about you is enough to constitute probable cause will depend on all of the facts and circumstances that may be uncovered by an investigation. Finally, if the police are currently investigating, you and your parents may want to speak with a criminal defense attorney before deciding how to proceed. Good luck. (Check our Teen Help Network for more help and resources in your area. This is information only – not legal advice.)