Truancy is the failure of a student under the age of 18 to attend school when school is in session. The Middleton Municipal Court hears all allegations of Truancy occurring in the City of Middleton. Penalties in the area of truancy can be imposed not only against the student, but also against the parent.
If you have been charged with violating the truancy or habitual truancy laws of the City of Middleton, you will be issued a citation with a court date. As with any alleged ordinance violation, you can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If you plea guilty or no contest, the judge will find you guilty and impose a sentence that night. If you plead not guilty, you will be given the next available date and time to appear for a Pre-Trial Conference with the city prosecutor. If necessary, a trial may be scheduled.
In truancy cases involving the high school and middle school, a representative of the school (ex. Principal or Associate Principal) will appear in the courtroom as well. If a guilty judgement is rendered, the school representative will be asked to offer the school's recommendation for an educational response to the truancy problem. The student and his/her parents will be asked for their response to the recommendation and their own proposals. The judge will impose a sentence, which may consist of a forfeiture, driver's license suspension, or other consequences. In addition, the student will be ordered to attend all classes without any unexcused absences and provide the court with a school attendance report for a period of time following the initial court appearance.
In addition, the court also holds truancy court review hearings six to eight times during each school year. During the review hearings, the court will discuss with the juvenile, his/her parents, and a representative of the school any alleged failure to comply with the Court's order.