What is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a legally binding alternative disposition program that offers juvenile offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offense(s) in a constructive manner. All Teen Court programs are different, but in general, sentences issued by a Teen Court can include community service, educational classes, jury terms, and other requirements.
A juvenile referred to Teen Court normally has his/her case argued by a teen prosecuting and teen defense attorney. A jury of the defendant’s peers, other teens, deliberates and decided on a binding punishment for the defendant. If the defendant successfully completes the sentence in the specified amount of time the defendant’s case is dismissed.
How Does Teen Court Work?
All Teen Courts are different, but the structure is much the same. Juveniles who are charged with misdemeanor crimes, such as theft, traffic offenses, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, tobacco/alcohol offenses, etc., first appear before a judge of a municipal or justice court. They can elect to have their case heard before a Teen Court. The case is then referred to the Teen Court Coordinator and set for trial. The defendant normally appears with his/her parent at the night of the hearing. Once a sentence is determined the defendant then has a specified amount of time in which to complete their sentence. If they successfully complete the sentence ordered by the Teen Court jury their case will be dismissed. If they do not complete their sentence their case is returned to the referring court when a fine can be issued, and a conviction may appear on the defendant’s criminal record.
All teen participants in Teen Court are volunteers. Teen Court Coordinators recruit volunteers from local schools and community organizations.
Who is Eligible for Teen Court?
Juveniles who are under the age of 18 and/or are enrolled in a full time educational program leading towards a high school diploma or GED may elect to have their case heard by a Teen Court (if one exists in the city or county in which the offense was committed). Teen Court normally hears Class C misdemeanors which are punishable by up to a $500 fine. A defendant may only choose to participate in a Teen Court program to resolve a citation once every two years.
Who Benefits from Teen Court?
The Community and Local Government
Teen Court provides a structured volunteer force to non-profit organizations and local governments. This in turn saves these entities thousands of dollars annually. Teen Court also allows teens and adults to work together and develop skills and citizenship.
The Defendant
Teen Court gives teen defendants a way in which to take responsibility for their actions rather than parents dolling out money for fines. Teen Court defendants get the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of contributing to the community while gaining valuable work experience. Teen Court also allows defendants to become acquainted with the criminal justice system, and hopefully, avoid negative interaction in the future.
Teen Volunteers
Teen Court gives teen volunteers, such as attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, and clerks, the opportunity to gain real experience and insight into the inner-workings of the legal system. By participating in Teen Court, teen volunteers can get an idea whether or not they’re interested in a future career in the legal field, and if so, what areas interest them the most. Teen Court volunteers also learn valuable life skills like teamwork, responsibility, dependability, cooperation, and honesty.
Teen Court Under Texas Law
Teen Courts are governed under Article 45.052 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Pertinent sections of Texas law relating to Teen Courts can be view by clicking below:
Chapter 45, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 102, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 54, Texas Family Code
Chapter 103, Texas Government Code