What is Teen Court? Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines and sentences handed down by the criminal justice system.
Teen Court is a "hands down" educational opportunity that allows both offenders and teen volunteers to better understand our system of justice. A youth referred to Teen Court has his/her case argued by teenage prosecuting and defense attorneys before a jury of peers, consisting of teen volunteers and returning youth who were previously defendants.
The teen jury determines each defendant's sentence based on the nature of the defense committed. Each offense is categorized into a particular class, which determines the number of hours of community service to be given. Each defendant is also sentenced to serve a number of jury terms.
The El Paso County Attorney administers the Teen Court program. All Teen Court sessions are open to the public.
For more information, follow these links:
|
