State v. Aaron D.

The State appeals an order dismissing its motion for contempt against Aaron D., a juvenile adjudicated to be in need of protection and services because of habitual truancy under § 938.13(6), Stats. When Aaron continued being truant after the dispositional order, a ch. 785, Stats., contempt motion was brought. The trial court dismissed the contempt motion finding that the specific contempt provisions under ch. 938, Stats., must be followed if a court wishes to find a child in contempt. Because we conclude that the restrictions imposed by ch. 938 on the exercise of ch. 785 contempt powers are…