Teen court is a sentencing option for first offender youths who commit
a misdemeanor crime. If the offender admits guilt to the charge, he/she may choose to participate in teen court instead of going through traditional court proceedings.

In Teen Court, all of the attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and defendants are youth in middle or high school. Training programs are held throughout the year for new volunteers to learn about the Teen Court process. The only adult participating in the proceedings is the judge. Typical charges presented at Teen Court hearings are larceny (stealing or shoplifting), affray, simple assault, property damage, and possession of drugs or alcohol.

On the night of the hearing, teen court attorneys and the defendants arrive
early to meet each other and to prepare for their cases. The defense and
prosecuting attorneys for the cases present opening statements, questions
for the defendants, and closing statements. The defendant is allowed to tell his/her account of what happened, and the defendant's parent or
guardian is given the opportunity to speak on their child's behalf.

Once the jury has heard the facts of the case, they enter the jury room to
decide on an appropriate, constructive sentence for the defendant. When
they have reached a decision, the judge will issue that sentence to the
defendant, and the defendant and his/her family will leave the courtroom to participate in the final stage of the court process, the exit interview. Defendants have 90 days from the date of their hearing to complete their sentence.

The cases heard at teen court MUST be held in the strictest confidence.
Everyone in the courtroom is required to taken an oath of
confidentiality regarding the persons and charges involved.