Teen Court

The Mid-America Council’s Teen Court is a voluntary diversion program that gives participants an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system. The goal is to intervene in early, delinquent criminal behavior and to prevent that behavior in the future.

How It Works

The Douglas County Juvenile Assessment Center refers individuals who have allegedly committed a misdemeanor offense.  BY participating in Teen Court, a defendant agrees to be presumed guilty and to have their sentence determined by a panal of teen judges.  When the defendant successfully completes Teen Court, the alleged offense will be dismissed by the County Attorney.  However, should the participant not meet the requiremnts, they will be redirected to the Assessment Center for prosecution.

Benefits

Teen Court is effective because teens respond better when their peers hold them accountable for their actions.  As a result, they are less likely to commit a second offense.  This is a means of using positive peer pressure to lower the rate of repeat offenses.  It provides an immediate and meaningful effect on the individual when compared to the traditional criminal justice system.  Through this opportunity, teens are given the chance to maintain a clean record while still being held accountable.

Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to this program.  Teen Court is composed of volunter teenagers from the area schools.  They serve as the defense attorney, judges, prosecuting attorney, bailiff, etc.  They receive ongoing training and make a one-year committment, but may choose to serve longer than a year.  Court sessions are held twice a month.  Youth interested in volunteering can print and fill out the Youth Teen Court Volunter Application.  Adults interested in volunteering for Teen Court can go to our Volunteer Registration page.

Procedures

A panal of teen judges will preside over the court while the defendant will have a professionally trained teen defense attorney.  The state will also have a professionally trained teen prosecuting attorney to act on their behalf.

Teen attorneys will receive their case and meet with the defendants prior to the case.  The bailiff will also be a teen volunteer helping to ensure the court runs smoothly and careful records are kept.

The sentence received can include community service, jail tours, essays, curfew, etc.

Fees

There is a $50.00 Dollar registration fee for teens defendants, however no one is denied the opportunity to participate due to an inability to pay.

The Boy Scouts, local foundations, coporations and grants provide funding for the Mid-America Council's Teen Court program.

For more information, contact our Teen Court Director or call 402-431-9272.