Commonwealth v. B.J.

Opinion of the Court by

Justice CUNNINGHAM.

Appellee B.J., a minor, was adjudicated a habitual truant by the Jefferson Family Court. The Court of Appeals vacated the order and remanded the matter, determining that the family court had violated B.J.’s constitutional rights by conducting both the adjudication and sentencing hearings in his absence. The Commonwealth sought discretionary review in this Court, which was granted. Upon review of the matter, we reverse the opinion of the Court of Appeals and reinstate the order of the Jefferson Family Court.

Jefferson County school officials initiated a…