Right to counsel

Alabama , Legislation , Truancy - Petition Against Child

Pursuant to Ala. Code § 12-15-102(4)(a), truancy is treated as a status offense (specifically, Child in Need of Supervision, or CHINS).  And in CHINS cases, a child has a right to counsel regardless of indigence if facing possible detention, pursuant to Ala. Code § 12-15-202(f)(1)(a).  Otherwise, appointment is discretionary, as per Ala. Code § 12-15-202(f)(1)(b).

Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: Yes
? 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.