Right to counsel
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.
As to the appointment of counsel on appeals “[f]rom any final order or judgment of the juvenile court”, Section 16.1-296(I) states:
In all cases on appeal, the circuit court in the disposition of such cases shall have all the powers and authority granted by the chapter to the juvenile and domestic relations district court. Unless otherwise specifically provided by this Code, the circuit court judge shall have the authority to appoint counsel for the parties and compensate such counsel in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 (§ 16.1-266 et seq.) of this chapter.
