Dealing with accusations of truancy in Louisville, KY, is far more stressful than most parents or guardians expect. Kentucky takes school attendance seriously, and being charged with truancy can result in court appearances, fines, and other consequences.
If you and your child are in this situation, you need a lawyer who will listen to you without judgment and come up with a plan to address the issue you’re facing in Louisville, Kentucky. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (502) 371-7000 to schedule a free consultation with a Louisville truancy lawyer.
Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Truancy?
Truancy accusations don’t just target the student; they can also quickly put vulnerable families at risk for court penalties. Working with our Louisville criminal defense attorneys gives you a chance to avoid this and obtain an outcome that works for everyone.
Here’s why families facing truancy accusations turn to our Louisville criminal defense lawyers:
- Our Louisville defense team has over 100 combined years of experience fighting criminal allegations of all kinds.
- Our attorneys have experience working as police officers and prosecutors, providing us with unique insight into how to build an effective defense.
- We’ve been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and have obtained a 10.0 rating on Avvo.
Don’t go up against the confusion of the juvenile court system alone when you’re dealing with truancy. Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today so we can help you schedule your free, confidential case evaluation with a Louisville truancy attorney.
Overview of Truancy in Kentucky
A student in Kentucky is considered truant if they are between 6 and 18 years old, or is a public school student between 18 and 20, and has three or more unexcused absences or unexcused tardies during any single school year.
Habitual Truancy
A student is labeled a habitual truant if they are reported as truant two or more times within the same school year. Rather than instantly referring all cases directly to the courts, schools have several intervention options they are supposed to use to try to avoid the justice system.
Here’s what this usually entails:
- Compulsory attendance: Schools require students to attend regularly and stress the legal requirements to both students and their families.
- Making up absences: Truant students may be required to make up the time missed as a condition of returning to good standing.
- Sanctions: If students fail to attend as required, additional penalties may be imposed by school officials.
Schools often work closely with others outside the educational system, involving the courts, mental health counselors, social services, and juvenile justice professionals to find ways to help students attend school and avoid court involvement.
What Are the Penalties for Truancy in Louisville, Kentucky?
Kentucky truancy laws have penalties for both the student and the adults responsible for ensuring children attend school. Here’s what you can expect:
Penalties for Parents and Guardians
If a parent, legal guardian, or custodian willfully fails to fulfill required duties to get their child to school, penalties can include the following:
- On the first violation, a fine of $100 may be imposed by the court.
- For a second failure to comply, that fine can rise to $250.
- Each additional offense results in a Class B misdemeanor charge, carrying a potential penalty of jail time and a fine of $250.
Courts can cancel or suspend imposed fines if the parent/guardian acts promptly to return the student to school, where regular attendance resumes and is maintained.
Penalties for Students Aged 18 to 20
Truant students aged 18 to 20 can also face penalties, which could include:
- The first truancy offense brings a $100 fine.
- Second and subsequent offenses result in a $250 fine every time.
Students generally won’t face jail time for truancy allegations, but these fines can add up quickly.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Truancy?
If you’re a parent arrested in Kentucky because your child missed too many days of school, you have ways to defend yourself. Some of the common ways to attack these charges include:
Valid Excuses That Weren’t Properly Recorded
Not every absence is illegal. If your child had a valid reason to miss school but the school officials didn’t record it, you can provide evidence that they are mistaken, and the absence should be considered excused.
The School Didn’t Follow Intervention Requirements
Kentucky schools are required to use multiple intervention steps before resorting to the courts, including contacting parents, offering truancy diversion, and documenting every attempt at support. If the school hasn’t done these things, you could use that in your defense.
Student Is Under 6 Years Old
Kentucky’s compulsory attendance laws generally apply to children aged six and up. If your child was younger at the time of their absences, this exemption could take penalties for truancy off the table.
With the right legal support, you can ensure that your defense is presented effectively.
Contact Our Louisville Truancy Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Trying to resolve truancy charges on your own or with a lawyer who doesn’t understand how truancy laws work can become overwhelming and lead to consequences that you and your child didn’t expect. The right lawyer can explain the process to you and how they’re going to defend your family’s future.
We have extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law, including truancy cases. Send a message to or call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with a Louisville truancy lawyer.
