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Being a teenager in Collin County comes with enough challenges. But getting caught with a THC vape pen at school? That can instantly derail a young person’s future. Here in Texas, zero-tolerance school policies and aggressive policing have made it common for students to face felony drug charges—even for first-time offenses.
At The Edgett Law Firm, we believe the justice system should protect young people, not destroy their futures over a mistake. This is the story of how we got a felony juvenile charge dismissed by exposing a school resource officer’s misconduct and fighting back with everything we had.
The Arrest: A Teen Targeted Without Cause
Our client was a 16-year-old high school student accused of vaping on campus. A school resource officer (SRO) decided to search his backpack—even though there was no probable cause to do so.
Inside the backpack, the officer found a THC vape cartridge and immediately charged the student with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – Penalty Group 2. A felony under Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.116
What was at stake?
- A felony drug conviction on his juvenile record
- Expulsion from school
- Loss of college and scholarship opportunities
- Suspension of his driver’s license
- A lifetime of consequences for a kid who wasn’t even vaping
Worse still? This student had no disciplinary history and had been unfairly targeted by an officer with a troubling track record.
Our Strategy: How We Got the Case Dismissed
At The Edgett Law Firm, we don’t roll over for overzealous law enforcement. We went on offense—conducting our own investigation and showing the prosecution they had a scandal on their hands.
1. Uncovering the SRO’s History of Misconduct
We spoke with other students, parents, and school staff and uncovered a disturbing pattern: this particular SRO had a reputation for bullying students and conducting unwarranted searches.
Then we obtained school security footage showing the officer repeatedly stopping and harassing students without cause. It was clear: this wasn’t a one-time overstep—it was a pattern of unconstitutional behavior.
2. Challenging the Illegal Search
The SRO had no probable cause to search our client’s backpack. Under the Fourth Amendment, that search was illegal.
We filed a motion to suppress the evidence—the THC cartridge—arguing it was obtained in violation of our client’s rights. Without that evidence, the state’s case fell apart.
3. Applying Pressure to the Prosecution
We made it clear to the DA’s office:
- We had multiple student witnesses ready to testify about the officer’s harassment.
- We were prepared to expose the school’s failure to discipline the officer.
- We weren’t afraid to take this case public.
Suddenly, the prosecution didn’t want the case anymore.
The Outcome: A Clean Record and a Bright Future
The result?
- Felony charges dropped
- No school expulsion
- Clean juvenile record
- The SRO was placed under internal investigation
Our client returned to school and life without a criminal record—and with his future intact.
This Case Was Bigger Than One Student
This wasn’t just about one mistake—it was about a broken system that over-criminalizes teenagers. When schools and police treat students like criminals instead of kids, it’s up to us to push back.
And we will.
Facing Juvenile THC Vape Charges in Collin County?
If your child is facing a felony THC charge, don’t let a single mistake define their future. At The Edgett Law Firm, we know the law, and we fight aggressively to protect our clients—especially when the system is working against them.
Call now for a confidential consultation: (972) 424-0760. Visit us online: www.EdgettLawFirm.com.