Teen Court Program Description
Teen Court is a diversion program specifically designated for first-time, misdemeanor offenders between the ages of 10 and 17. It gives these youthful offenders a second chance, yet holds them accountable for their actions. The program directs cases away from juvenile court and provides a forum for defendants (who have admitted guilt) to explain their involvement in the offense. The youthful law violator must stand before a jury of his/her peers, plead guilty and accept whatever sanctions the jury imposes. Specially trained teenagers fulfill the roles of prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff, and jury member. The only adult in the courtroom is the judge, who is a practicing attorney or judge that approves the sentence. The defendant along with their parent/guardian signs a contract agreeing to carry out the imposed sentence.
If the defendant successfully completes all of the imposed sanctions, adjudication will be withheld. Thus, there will be no conviction on the juvenile's record. The average length of time for sentence completion is four to six weeks. The defendant will receive three mandatory sanctions, which include participation in jury duty three to six times, participation in peer circle three to six times, and between eight and thirty-five hours of community service. Some of the optional sanctions that the jury may impose include a tour of the jail, writing an apology letter to the victim, writing an essay, no association with co-defendant, or a curfew.
Purpose
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 his/her peers decides punishment. Teen Court attempts to interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement and development of a healthy attitude toward authority. Teen Court challenges offenders, as well as the volunteer teens, to perform at their highest level of ability, placing a high priority on educating young people about responsibility and consequences for their actions. Considerable expense is spared the community due to the utilization of teens and adults volunteering their time.
Teen Court is also an invaluable experience for our volunteer attorneys, bailiffs and jury members. Most of the volunteers begin volunteering for the community service hours and references for college applications, but they end up staying with the program year after year because they become part of close-knit group of teens that enjoy making a difference in their community. They receive mentoring and extensive training from our group of dedicated attorneys and judges that volunteer for the program. This in turn provides them with the skills they need in college and beyond. Both the defendants and the youth volunteers develop an appreciation and understanding of the justice system as well as a strong sense of accomplishment.
Teen Court Process
The State Attorney's Office as well as School Resource Officers will refer juveniles to Teen Court. Cases coming before Teen Court are misdemeanor crimes, such as possession of alcohol, petit theft and vandalism. School violations and truancy may also be referred to Teen Court.
Once referred to Teen Court, the juvenile's file is sent to the Teen Court Administrator who arranges a meeting with the juvenile and the parent(s) or guardian(s). The Defendant and parent(s) must sign a Waiver of Speedy Trial and a Teen Court Agreement to participate in the program. Once the proper forms have been completed, the juvenile and parent(s) are assigned to the next available court date.
Teen Court is a completely voluntary program. If the offender and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) do not wish to participate in the program, then the case will be sent back to the referring agency and the offender will be processed through the juvenile court system.
Teen Court sessions are conducted in the same manner as regular court. The Defendant is expected to appear with parents/guardians and be on time. If the Defendant fails to appear in Teen Court, unless there are extenuating circumstances, a notice will be sent to the State Attorney's Office and the original charges will be brought against the Defendant. The Defendant must then appear in juvenile court before the presiding Circuit Judge, where his/her record may not be cleared of the charges.
Teen Court Video
The best way to learn about Teen Court is to actually watch a session in action. In order to bring this experience to as many people as possible, we decided to create a short video on Teen Court. The Dorsey Brothers and Studio15 Inc. produced the video. One of the Dorsey Brothers, Doug Dorsey, is an Assistant State Attorney with our office. Doug went above and beyond to ensure the successful completion of the video, and Teen Court is sincerely grateful to this talented group of filmmakers for doing an amazing job in turning our video concept into reality.
For your convenience, the Teen Court video is available in two formats, Real Player and Windows Media Player. To view the video in Real Player, click here. If you currently do not have Real Player on your system and would like to download it, click here. To view the video in Windows Media Player, click here. If you currently do not have Windows Media Player on your system and would like to download it, click here.
Volunteers
Teen Court would not exist without our wonderful volunteers and we're always looking for more! Our volunteers serve as Jurors, Defense Attorneys, Prosecuting Attorneys, and Bailiffs. Why would YOU want to volunteer? The answer is simple. Volunteers earn quality community service hours that will enhance college applications and give them an extra edge over the competition. They also gain first-hand experience in the justice system. Experienced adult attorneys and judges provide training and mentoring as well as networking opportunities. Teens are able to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills while making a real difference in the community.
You will also have the opportunity to become a member of our winning Mock Trial Team. Each year, Teen Court teams from each county in the 4th Judicial Circuit (Clay, Nassau and Duval counties) compete in a Mock Trial Competition. Each county forms a "Mock Trial Team" consisting of the best and brightest volunteers in their respective Teen Court Program. Last year, Duval County swept the competition and won first place in each category. Become a part of our winning tradition so we can continue our legacy in the upcoming Mock Trial Competition!
New volunteers may begin volunteering by coming to the courthouse between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on any given court session date. Quarterly Teen Attorney trainings that are facilitated by practicing attorneys are held throughout the year to provide further training to new attorneys. Our next training session can be found on our 2008 Teen Court Calendar.
Requirements for Teen Court Volunteers:
Must be between the ages of 12 and 18
Must reside in Duval County
Must sign and respect the "Oath of Confidentiality"
Must be prepared to volunteer at least one session per month
Must be mature and motivated
When is Teen Court Held?
Teen Court is held on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Teen Court is located on the 2nd floor of the Duval County Courthouse, 330 E. Bay Street. Volunteers and participants must abide by the Teen Court Behavior and Dress Code. Click here to view these Requirements for Teen Court Appearances. All volunteers must sign in by 5:30 p.m. Defendants in the program that are attending their own court hearing must arrive by 5:30 p.m. Prior defendants sanctioned to attend Peer Circle and Jury Duty must arrive by 4:45 p.m. Our court session dates are listed on the 2006 Teen Court calendar. On occasion, a scheduled court session may be cancelled. Should this occur, an announcement will be made in advance via email.
For more information, please contact the Teen Court Program Coordinator at (904) 630-0730.