Q: What happens at truancy court?
My son is 13. He moved with his father over the summer. His father failed to enroll him in school. I still have custody. Full custody. I now have to appear in truancy court. I worked with the two school districts involved. Now my son is in school after missing 11 days. But I'm nervous because I'm still the custodial parent. What should I expect in court.
A:
These matters are heard in the municipal courts. That you are there means that there are warnings that have gone unheeded. I believe the fine now goes up to $250 per day, so with 11 days, do the math. Jail time also is an option for the judge. That would be jail time for the parent.
You should retain counsel. You should also be prepared to get your son back in school. The judge will likely tell you the kid goes back to school --and the matter stays open to make sure he does--or the parent(s) get some time in the county jail.
A: In general its, jail a fine or both. Generally if this is first offense your looking at just a fine, but everything is up to the judge and every municipal court is different.
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