Brown County Teen Court is a 90 day voluntary diversion program that offers first time juvenile offenders ages 10 to 17 an alternative to appearing in formal court. Teen court is a sentencing court only. Participation in Teen Court is based upon referral by the Brown County State’s Attorney, admission of guilt and agreement with each of the requirements to participate.
If the juvenile offender and their parents agree to participation in Teen Court, they will meet with the Teen Court Coordinator for an intake meeting. If the juvenile is determined to be eligible a hearing will be scheduled. If they do not agree to participate, or if the juvenile is determined to be ineligible for participation in Teen Court, they will be referred back to the State’s Attorney for formal Juvenile Court adjudication.
All members of Brown County Teen Court are volunteers. The Judge is one of many local attorneys who volunteer their time to assist. The Teen Court Attorneys, Clerks, Bailiffs, and Jurors are teen volunteers that have participated in on-going training for their respective positions. The Jury also includes teens that are required to participate on the jury as a result of their Teen Court sentence. There are two paid-part time staff a coordinator and a director.
Cost for Participation
Each juvenile respondent will be assessed a $20 fee. There is a process to apply for waiver of the fee if the juvenile cannot afford the fee.
Procedures
All sentences handed down by the Teen Court must be completed within 90 days from the date the disposition is rendered. Successful completion of Teen Court requirements within the 90 days will result in the State dismissing the charge(s) and no further prosecution or court appearances will be required. If the juvenile fails to complete the requirements of Teen Court, or if they commit any violations of law within the 90 day period the juvenile will be referred back to the State's Attorney for formal petition into Juvenile Court on the initial charge, in addition to any new charges filed.
Sentencing
Teen Court is not about punishment, rather it is about identifying what harm teens have caused and finding a way to repair that harm. Each sentence will address the following three areas:
Accountability: Activities holding teens accountable for their actions by completing service work for the community.
Education: Activities which provide educational opportunities for teens to understand the effects of their choices on others.
Community Involvement: Activities to encourage teens to become a safe and contributing member of the community.
Each sentence will usually include returning to sit on a jury, community service projects, and other appropriate activities depending on the type of offense and the juvenile's unique situation, to include drug and alcohol counseling, personal development, educational activities like essays, apologies, and restitution.
Parental Involvement
Teen Court is usually when many of the families have their first contact with law enforcement and the Courts. In many cases, positive early intervention with parenting techniques and other programs is the most effective way to deal with the crisis at hand and to ward off future problems. During these “troubling times” it is an ideal time for families to assess their parenting techniques as well as other family dynamics. It is also a perfect opportunity to develop and improve communication between the teen and their parents. Teen Court sanctions will encourage parents and teens to spend more time together in positive activities to enhance family values. The Brown County Teen Court program is designed for families who are self-motivated and willing to confront these situations as an opportunity to make responsible and positive family decisions.