Civil RTC News
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don’t fit into a neat category.
Right to counsel
Minors have a right to counsel in proceedings to determine whether they have to report as sex offenders when committing a sex-related offense.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint an attorney-GAL for a child in a private custody proceeding.
No such proceeding
Maryland has no parental input requirement: a minor can get an abortion if the doctor determines the minor is mature and capable of consenting.
Right to counsel
An indigent child has a right to counsel in Ohio truancy proceedings (which are treated either as "unruly child" or delinquency matters).
Right to counsel
Children in Oklahoma truancy proceedings (which are treated as a child in need of supervision offense) have a right to counsel.
Right to counsel
Children in Pennsylvania have a right to counsel in truancy cases (which are handled as dependency matters).
Right to counsel
Indigent children in Rhode Island are entitled to counsel in truancy proceedings (which are treated as "wayward child" matters).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may appoint counsel for a child in a truancy proceeding (which is treated as a status offense).
Right to counsel
Indigent children in South Dakota have a right to counsel upon request in truancy cases (which are treated as "child in need of supervision").
No such proceeding
As of 2018, truancy cases no longer go to juvenile court; they only can go to youth court, which lacks the power to incarcerate or impose fines.
Right to counsel
Indigent children in Michigan have a right to counsel in truancy proceedings (which are handled as status offenses).
