The Way Teen Court Works

TEEN COURT is designed to expedite the cases of first time misdemeanor offenders. This category of offense might include such charges as: shoplifting, vandalism, possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct, trespassing, interference in a school function, or petit theft.

These are real cases where an arrest has been made and the charges have progressed through the normal channels from the Clerk of Courts Office to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Cases are screened for any prior arrest history and when appropriate, referred to TEEN COURT.

The defendant will have a "teen defense attorney" assigned to the case who will do his or her best to bring out any and all mitigating circumstances in an effort to convince the jury to reduce the penalties the jury is required to impose. There is also a "teen prosecuting attorney" who is trying to bring forward all the reasons that the jury should impose a stronger penalty.

Following the hearing, the TEEN COURT Coordinator reviews the sentence with the defendant and his or her parents. They sign a contract agreeing to complete the imposed sanctions. If the defendant completes the sanctions within the prescribed time, the State Attorney's Office is notified, and usually no further action is taken and the case is dismissed.

The final disposition of all juvenile cases remains at the discretion of the State Attorney.

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