What is a common status offense committed by juveniles?

Truancy is considered a common status offense because it specifically pertains to behavior that is only deemed unlawful due to the age of the individual involved. In many jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, juvenile laws classify truancy as being absent from school without a valid excuse, which is a violation of educational laws but not a crime in the traditional sense like theft or burglary.

Status offenses, such as truancy, are unique because they reflect actions that would not be considered illegal if performed by an adult. The purpose of addressing status offenses is often to provide support and intervention for the juvenile rather than simply punishment, recognizing that these behaviors may indicate underlying issues such as family problems or a lack of engagement in the educational system. Unlike serious offenses such as assault or theft, which have direct legal repercussions regardless of the age of the perpetrator, truancy relates exclusively to juveniles and is managed through social services or educational interventions.