Blake v. Commonwealth

Present: All the Justices MAUREEN ANNE BLAKE OPINION BY v. Record No. 140081 JUSTICE LEROY F. MILLETTE, JR. October 31, 2014 COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA FROM THE COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA In this appeal we consider whether Code § 22.1-254, requiring compulsory school attendance, can be used to prosecute parents or guardians whose children are tardy for school. For the reasons stated below, we conclude that it cannot. I. Facts and Proceedings Maureen Anne Blake was convicted by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County of three counts of a Class 3 misdemeanor under Code § 22.1-263, enforcing Code §…