New Mexico Law requires parents to send children to school.  Unexcused absences will result in CRIMINAL CHARGES.  Under New Mexico State Law a parent or guardian must ensure that their minor child between the age of six(6) and seventeen(17) is in school, the full time school is in session, unless otherwise legally excused pursuant to NMSA Compulsory School Attendance Law ( 22-12-1 to 22-12-7 NMSA 1978).  Failure to comply with the law may result in ...A Fine, A Possible Jail Sentence, or Both. This year the District Attorney's Office in partnership with Local Police Departments, County Sheriff Departments, and other county law enforcement agencies will periodically sweep malls, parks, bus stops, downtown,fast food restaurantsand other hang-out areas during school day.  We will look for kids who are not in school and arrest them. Keeping children in school has been proven to lower crime rate!