I can completely understand that. I would say that MOST of the time, the Ed Law forum has little to do with real legal issues, and a lot to do with parenting changes, changes in ways of looking at procedures or rules, or clarification of issues. For someone like me, who has worked as a teacher for ten years, a principal, and now a college professor - I know how to work a lot of the situations. That's why I would suggest the detailing of the situation in the journal, and approaching the judge with a "I have tried everything, here's the proof, please don't fine me, help me" type of attitude. Initially, when you posted, it could have been misconstrued that you were looking someone to blame - the school truancy officer - but through your repeated postings, I think we have come to some new conclusions about where you can go to get your kids the help they need. It's good to hear they are good students and not making the rest of your life hell.
Have you ever considered mandating your own type of community service on them? Like "Hey son, if you miss one hour of school, not only will you have to make up your school work, you'll have to do one hour community service at the shelter or for the church?" At least that kind of "punishment" would help to civic-ally involve them, and would be equivalent to what a judge might order. And if you were to get fined, then require the boys to pay you back by working at minimum wage jobs until you are compensated, along with community service? Show them that there are real world consequences when fines happen, or community service is ordered. Not in a harsh "PUNISH PUNISH PUNISH" type of way, but in a "actions have consequences" kind of way? Just a thought....