How does Teen Court work?
Prior to participation in the Teen Court proceeding, all defendants and their parents/guardians are interviewed by Juvenile Diversion Program staff to gather information about the offense, the defendant, and the family. Additionally, the staff ensures that the defendant is one who would benefit from the Teen Court program. The defendant and parent/guardian are given a Teen Court Notice to Appear for their scheduled Tuesday evening appointment. The staff member will then prepare a case summary which is used in the courtroom proceeding. Most Teen Court proceedings follow a “Grand Jury” format whereby the student jurors ask questions of the defendant and then deliberate and determine a verdict. For the “Trial” proceeding, the volunteer student attorneys have been trained to present the case and ask questions of the defendant. The jurors will listen to the case,deliberate and determine a verdict. At the end of the proceeding, a staff member will meet with the defendant and parent/guardian to review the sanctions and sign an Agreement Contract. If the sanctions are completed, the defendant avoids formal prosecution in Juvenile Court. Failure to comply with the sanctions will result in referral to the State Attorney’s Office.