Juvenile Truancy Charges

Juvenile Truancy Charges

Unexcused absences from school may not seem like a major issue, but it can become a serious legal matter if not handled correctly. Known as truancy, when a child is cited for habitual or chronic absence it may result in parents facing school board actions, juvenile court involvement, or even criminal charges.

At Kelly and Kelly, we have extensive experience in juvenile law. Our attorneys provide legal representation for minors in various circumstances ranging from school-related offenses to more serious legal challenges in juvenile criminal law. Our team offers counsel and support in navigating the complexities of the legal system in order to protect the educational and legal futures of juveniles.

What Counts as Truancy?

In Michigan, truancy is defined as excessive unexcused absences from school. Enforcement of compulsory school attendance for juveniles aged six to sixteen is handled at both the state and local district levels, with specific thresholds for absences varying by county. In most school districts, a student is considered to be truant after accumulating 10 or more unexcused absences in a school year.

Once a pattern of nonattendance is identified, schools are required to intervene before escalating the matter to the legal system. This may include notifying parents, scheduling attendance review meetings, or referring the student to counseling or support services. If these interventions do not result in a resolution to the pattern of unexcused absences, the case may be referred to an attendance officer, commonly known as a truant officer.

Because the consequences of truancy in Michigan can affect both students and parents, it is important to take school attendance requirements seriously and seek legal assistance guidance if a question surrounding juvenile truancy arises.

Legal Consequences of Truancy

When truancy issues become formal legal matters, it can have serious consequences on both the juvenile and the family. Students old enough to have a license may lose their driving privileges, and be placed on probation. They also can be ordered to attend counseling or therapy, or in some cases, detained in a juvenile facility. A truancy case can also leave a mark on a child’s school or juvenile record, potentially limiting future opportunities for higher education or employment.

In Michigan, parents or legal guardians can be held legally accountable for their child’s truancy under the state’s compulsory education laws. Penalties can include fines, mandatory parenting classes, and in the most serious of cases, criminal charges. Schools and courts may also place truant youth in diversion programs aimed at improving attendance and addressing underlying issues.

How Our Juvenile Defense Attorneys Can Help

Our team of experienced juvenile defense attorneys have decades of combined experience representing students and families in both school offenses and juvenile court proceedings. Our legal team can advocate for your child in disciplinary hearings, attendance review boards, and all phases of juvenile court involvement.

We work to uncover the underlying causes of truancy, whether that’s bullying, learning challenges, mental health issues, or unstable home environments. Our goal is to keep your child out of the courtroom and in the classroom. We work with schools and prosecutors to pursue alternatives such as counseling, mentoring programs, or community service in order to avoid lasting criminal records.

If you or your child is facing legal issues involving truancy or has received a court summons, don’t wait. Contact our office today to speak with one of our juvenile defense attorneys and protect your child’s future.