Right to counsel

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Legislation, Truancy - Petition Against Child

W.Va. Code § 49-4-701(f)(2) provides that truancy is treated as a status offense.  And the court must appoint counsel for such children regardless of indigence pursuant to W. Va. Code § 49-4-708(a)(2).

 

Notably, for children 18 or over, truancy is treated as a misdemeanor pursuant to W.Va. Code § 18-8-2(b).

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no