Help Ms. Peoples and Shayla Journey

The Journey of Ms. Cheree Peoples ~ Falsely Arrested Under Truancy Laws

My name is Cheree Peoples. I’ve been fighting a battle no mother should ever have to endure. I’m reaching out today because I urgently need support to cover medical expenses and to purchase an electric wheelchair, which will help me regain my daughter's mobility and independence. Every donation—no matter the size—will help me recover from the trauma of being falsely arrested while caring for my chronically ill daughter.

Imagine being a mother caring for your child who is suffering from a serious illness—doing everything you can to provide her with the best care—and then suddenly, without warning, you’re arrested and charged with a crime.

That’s what happened to me.

I am the mother of a brave young girl who battles sickle cell anemia, a disease that often leaves her hospitalized for days, sometimes weeks. Like any mother, I followed all the necessary procedures, providing the school with doctors’ notes and documentation for her absences. But that didn’t stop the system from failing us.

But this isn’t just about me—it’s about ensuring that no other parent has to go through what I’ve been through. It’s about fighting against a system that criminalizes good, caring parents simply because they face hardships beyond their control.

In 2013, I was blindsided by a truancy arrest, accused of neglecting my daughter’s education even though her frequent absences were due to her severe medical condition. Under the truancy law, which was pushed aggressively by then-District Attorney Kamala Harris’ office, I became an example—a mother unfairly swept up in a system designed to punish parents without considering individual circumstances.

The Legal Battle:

For two long years, I fought to clear my name. Imagine facing courtrooms, legal fees, and the public shame of being labeled a criminal—all while trying to care for a child who is constantly in pain and needs your attention. The stress of juggling my daughter’s medical needs and battling through a complex legal system was overwhelming.

Despite providing all necessary documentation to the school and the court, I was still dragged through this nightmare. The law, which was supposed to curb truancy, instead targeted a mother trying to do her best in an impossible situation. I wasn’t neglecting my daughter’s education—I was prioritizing her life. But the legal system didn’t seem to care.