Being a parent is the most challenging job in the world. Ensuring your child gets to school daily can be a huge feat; sometimes, it just isn't possible. Maybe your child doesn't wake up in the morning and frequently misses the bus, and you can't drive them to school. Or maybe your child is avoiding school because they are bullied or don't feel like they fit in. Missing school is also common when there are family issues, for example, serious health issues of a family member.

We can all agree that education is important for any child, but things happen, and absences are unavoidable. Under Pennsylvania truancy laws, these absences are no longer considered harmless and can have severe consequences, not only for your child but for you as the parent. LLF Law Firm can help protect you and your child if you are facing truancy violations in Pennsylvania; call 888.535.3686 or contact us online so we can begin your defense.

What Are Pennsylvania Truancy Laws?

Truancy simply means staying away from school without a good reason; it is another word for absenteeism. It should be noted that what counts as a "good reason" for missing school is not without debate. Schools generally consider the child's illness, death of a family member, or other emergency as justifiable. Non-emergency permitted absences include medical or dental appointments. If your child misses too much school for unapproved reasons, your child could be truant, and you may be facing truancy charges.

What Are the Consequences for Violating Pennsylvania's Truancy Laws?

Under Pennsylvania's truancy laws, the child and parent, guardian, or family member in a parental relationship with the child can face serious consequences for the child's frequent absenteeism. Habitually absent children must participate in either a school-based or community-based attendance improvement program. If such a program is unavailable, they will work directly with their county's children and youth agency.

The school must work directly with the child's family to solve the issue. Only when numerous attempts to involve parents without sufficient response have occurred will the school be able to refer the situation to the court.

As the parent or guardian of the child, the court may order you to pay a fine of up to $300. Additionally, a court can order non-monetary penalties, including completing parenting education courses or participating in community service. If you fail to follow the truancy charge court order, you could be sentenced to up to five days in jail.

How LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you or your child are facing the harsh consequences of truancy violations, the LLF Law Firm can assist. Our Criminal Defense Team can assist in defending your child's absenteeism. We have successfully reduced the penalties and disciplinary actions taken against parents and children up against truancy violations in Pennsylvania. To schedule a consultation with our the LLF Law Firm Team, call 888.535.3686 or contact us online today.