Teen Court is an alternative system of justice, which offers first-time juvenile offenders ages 12-18 an opportunity to admit responsibility for their offenses and receive a constructive sentence from their peers. Teen Court also provides a “hands on” educational experience for student volunteers in an effort to help them better understand our system of justice.
Teen Court does not determine guilt or innocence, rather it recommends a constructive sentence for the juvenile defendant that includes restitution, community service, and counseling.
A juvenile referred to Teen Court appears before a jury of peers and is defended and prosecuted by peers. Evidence indicates that not only do young people stay out of trouble following a Teen Court appearance, but the program saves thousands of dollars in community expense and allows the juvenile courts to concentrate more time and energy on critical juvenile offenders.
1.The Teen Court process begins when the coordinator receives a referral from the Juvenile Services Intake Counselor.
2.The coordinator decides if the case is appropriate for Teen Court. If so, the coordinator will contact the juvenile and his/her parents or guardians. The juvenile is then given the opportunity to voluntarily admit responsibility for the offense and participate in the Teen Court program.
3.An interview is scheduled with the coordinator, the juvenile, and his/her parents or guardians. The parties must sign an agreement for voluntary participation with the understanding that no criminal charges will be pursued on the offense if the juvenile successfully completes all Teen Court requirements.
4.Rules and regulations for the program are discussed and a Teen Court appearance date is set. The juvenile is assured that all Teen Court proceedings will be held in strict confidence.
Who Benefits and How?
Juvenile defendants are given a second chance; student volunteers learn about the legal system and careers in the legal field; the community saves thousands of dollars.
Teen Court Program
(910)253-8220 telephone
(910) 253-7687 fax
teencourt@brunsco.net
Teen Court is an alternative system of justice, which offers first-time juvenile offenders ages 12-18 an opportunity to admit responsibility for their offenses and receive a constructive sentence from their peers. Teen Court also provides a “hands on” educational experience for student volunteers in an effort to help them better understand our system of justice.