Teen court is an alternative trial and/or sentencing option in the criminal justice system for juvenile and minor Class C Misdemeanor offenses. Offenders’ cases are presented to a jury of their peers made up of teen volunteers and/or previous offenders. Jury members listen to the teen’s side of the story, ask pertinent questions, and then deliberate on the case. The jury assigns a community service sentence and jury service sentence according to the standardized Sentencing Discipline Grid.

Upon paying a $20 administration fee and successful completion of the program (all sentencing requirements must be complete within 90 days of the teens appearance in Teen Court), offenders’ cases are dismissed and do not appear on their record.

However, if the teen offender does not comply with the sentence as ordered by the Teen Court within 90 days of the Teen Court appearance, the case will be referred back to the Municipal Court, the violation will go as a conviction on the offender’s record and the total fine will be due.

Teens, between the ages of 10 and 18, with the approval of their parents or guardian, can request Teen Court if they have not participated in a Teen Court program during the past 24 months. If the teen is 18, they must still be enrolled in school.

The parent or guardian must be present at the time of enrollment and during Teen Court sessions for defendants 16 years of age or younger. An emergency release form must be signed by the parent/guardian. Offenders must enter a plea of guilty or no contest to be eligible for teen court.