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Speak Up! - View Question #22426 |
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Question: why is ditching a bad thing to do???
Answer: Ditching, or truancy, is against the law for anyone between the ages of six and sixteen. (A.R.S. § 15-803). While there are exceptions, such as excused absences and home school, these must be authorized by the person who has custody of the child (most likely your parents). (A.R.S. § 15-805).
Missing just one class period without an excuse is considered truancy. You can be considered "habitually truant" if you miss school for five days "unexcused" during the school year. Attendance officers can enforce this law by issuing you a ticket that requires you to appear in court with your parents. Common punishments to habitual truancy include probation, having your driver's license taken away, or mandatory counseling.
Additionally, habitual truancy can also classify a kid as being an "incorrigible child." Being prosecuted as an incorrigible child can result in probation, fines, and community service. (A.R.S. § 8-323(B)(5)) and (A.R.S. § 8-201(15)(c)).
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