Teen Court is a program that gives first-time offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 a second chance, yet holds them accountable for their actions. The defendant must stand before a jury of their peers (teen volunteers), plead guilty, and accept the sanctions they impose. Teen volunteers, aged 13 to 17, act as Defense Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney, Bailiff, Clerk, and Jury. The only participating adult in the courtroom is the Judge.
Purpose of Teen Court
Teen Court is based on the philosophy that a youthful law violator is less likely to continue to be an offender when a jury of their peers decides the punishment. It is anticipated that Teen Court will interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement, and a healthy attitude toward authority. Teen Court challenges the offenders, as well as the volunteer teens, to perform at their highest level of ability.
Teen Court is based on the philosophy that a youthful law violator is less likely to continue to be an offender when a jury of their peers decides the punishment. It is anticipated that Teen Court will interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement, and a healthy attitude toward authority. Teen Court challenges the offenders, as well as the volunteer teens, to perform at their highest level of ability.
Teen Court Sanctions
Teen court sentences include:
Teen court sentences include:
- Community Service Hours (20-50)
- Jury Duty (3-6)
- Attend school full-time
- Respect parent/guardian
The jury may also impose a substance abuse or anger management program, written or verbal apologies, essays, a mandatory curfew, suspension of driver’s license, jail tours, and restitution fees.
Once the Teen Court program is successfully completed, the offense is dismissed in Juvenile Court. If the offender does not complete the sentence or rejects the teen jury sentence, their case is returned to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Teen Drug Court
The drug/alcohol component of Teen Court will serve as an intervention and deterrent for experimental substance users by providing intensive case management to eligible drug-involved youth and their families.
The drug/alcohol component of Teen Court will serve as an intervention and deterrent for experimental substance users by providing intensive case management to eligible drug-involved youth and their families.
When is Teen Court
Teen Court Deland is held Monday evenings from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Volusia County Court House in Deland.
Teen Court Deland is held Monday evenings from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Volusia County Court House in Deland.
Address
101 N Alabama Avenue
Suite B-253
Deland, FL 32724
Phone
386-822-5703
Dress Code for Teen Court
Attire must be appropriate for court.
- Boys should wear belted slacks with a collared shirt tucked in at the waist. A tie and/or jacket are suggested.
- Girls should wear a dress, skirt, or nice slacks.
- Shirts must have a collar, sleeves and tuck in at the waist.
- Jeans, Shorts, T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, flip- flops and slippers are not permitted.
- Cell phones must be turned off.
- Food, drink, and gum are prohibited.
Who can Volunteer
Teen Court volunteers must meet the following criteria:
Teen Court volunteers must meet the following criteria:
- Be a 7th – 12th-grade student in satisfactory academic standing, and not currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
- Abide by the rules of the program
- Sign and respect the “Oath of Confidentiality”.
- Demonstrate maturity and sensitivity.
Adult volunteers are always needed and welcome.
Training for Volunteers of Teen Court
Training sessions are scheduled throughout the year, and new volunteers who show up for service will meet the Teen Court Mentors who can instruct them on how to perform various duties of Teen court participants.
Work in Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.)
Work in Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.) is a civil citation program that affords first-time juvenile misdemeanor offenders an alternative to arrest while still providing immediate consequences. Click here to learn more.
Work in Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.) is a civil citation program that affords first-time juvenile misdemeanor offenders an alternative to arrest while still providing immediate consequences. Click here to learn more.
The content above was derived from and dominantly written by the Lake County Florida Writers about Teen Court in Florida
