Which of the following is an example of a status offense?

• A. Theft.
• B. Assault.
• C. Drug possession.
• D. Truancy.

Answer: (D)

Status offenses are actions that are illegal only because the person is a minor; they wouldn’t be crimes if performed by an adult. Truancy—not attending school—is a classic example because an adult isn’t required to attend school, so failing to do so wouldn’t be a crime. The other options—theft, assault, and drug possession—are crimes regardless of age, so they don’t fit the idea of a status offense.