Right to counsel

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Legislation, Truancy - Petition Against Child

Va. Code § 22.1-267 provides that truancy is treated as a "child in need of supervision" matter.  In turn, Va. Code § 16.1-266(B) provides that counsel must be appointed for all children prior to any detention hearing, while Va. Code § 16.1-266(C) adds that the court must appoint counsel for indigent children subsequent to the detention hearing prior to any adjudicatory or transfer hearing.

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no