What Is Teen Court?

Why participate in Teen Court?

Teen Court is an option for first offenders to be tried in a court room setting, by a jury of their peers (teens of approximately the same age). The peer jury does not decide innocence or guilt, it only decides sentences. The youth going before the teen jury must acknowledge that he or she has committed the offense(s) charged. If the youth accepts the teen jury and completes it successfully, then no further action will be taken.

How does Teen Court work?

Cases coming before Teen Court includes traffic violations, and misdemeanors, including but not limited to:
First offender DWI (as referred from the District Attorney's Office and /or Children's Court), Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Shoplifting, Criminal Damage(vandalism) Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Battery, Public Affray (fighting).
On court night, the youth, who must be under 18 (at the time of arrest) and have a parent or guardian present, is prosecuted; represented by a Teen Court Peer Attorney, is sworn to tell the truth and testifies from the witness box.
After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecuting and defense attorneys, the jury decides what sentence the defendant must complete. This decision is based on a pre-existing charging grid that has been approved and reviewed by the Board of the Directors of Teen Court of Chaves County Inc...., and the teen volunteers.

For more information go to "Statistics and Stuff"