Right to counsel

Arkansas , Legislation , Truancy - Petition Against Child

Truancy is treated as a “family in need of services” matter, as per Ark. Code § 9-27-303(24).  Children in truancy proceedings have the right to appointed counsel regardless of indigence per Ark. Code § 9-27-316(c), but fees and expenses for the representation may be assessed against the child and their family if the court finds that they have the ability to pay.  Ark. Code § 9-27-316(b)(1)-(2).

Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: No
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.