FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Teen Court?Teen Court is a voluntary program, which allows juvenile Class C misdemeanor offenders to "pay" for their citation through community service and involvement in the judicial process. These cases are presented by volunteer Teen Court attorneys to a jury of the defendant's peers made up of volunteers from local secondary schools and returning youth who were previous defendants. The jury members then assess a sentence of community service following the guidelines of the sentencing grid found in this brochure. Teen Court is a "hands on" educational opportunity, which allows teen offenders and teen volunteers to better, understand our system of justice. Additionally, the offender pays no fine, and upon successful completion of Teen Court the charges will be dismissed and removed from the youth's permanent record.
Who is Eligible for Teen Court?
Youths age 10-18 who are currently enrolled in school may request Teen Court from the municipal judge or Justice of the Peace for most Class C misdemeanors (such as traffic violations, minor in possession of alcohol, theft under $50, criminal mischief, and city ordinance violations for loitering, curfew or noise). The defendant must enter a plea of "guilty" or "nolo contendere" for referral to Teen Court. A teen may enroll only once in a two-year period. Parental consent and participation is required.
What is the cost for the program?
Defendants must pay their state court costs at the time of referral. A $10.00 Teen Court fee must be paid to coordinator on the night of the youth's sentencing hearing and is non-refundable.
Is there a dress code?
The following is enforced for all defendants, jurors, and volunteers:
- No caps or hats
- No short shorts or short skirts
- No tank tops or exposed midriffs
- No inappropriate logos on shirts
- No tom or dirty clothing
- No sagging pants or exposed underwear
- No beepers or cell phones
Where are the Community Service Worksites?
Each defendant will be assigned to a location based on availability. It is the defendant's responsibility to contact the agency to schedule the community service hours. Possible assignments include:
- City parks & recreation departments
- City library and service centers
- Animal Shelter
- Various local non-profit agencies
- Affiliated secondary schools
- Senior citizen centers or retirement homes
- Local government buildings/offices
What are the punishments for a particular offense?
Punishment consists of a specific number of hours of community service and a required number of terms as a Teen Court Juror. The Teen Court Jury assesses community service based on the evidence presented.
A range of hours for each offense is defined by a grid system which is based on the nature of the offense. For more information see the SENTENCING GRID page.
How do I get my ticket deferred to Teen Court?
It's simple. You must plead either guilty or "no contest" to the charge and ask the judge if they will allow you to do Teen Court. If the request is granted you will pay court cost and administrative fees.
What happens after that?
You will be given a referral form with the phone number of Teen Court. You should contact the coordinator within two days to set up an appointment for your preliminary interview. A parent or guardian must attend the interview with the teen. During the interview you will be given a court date for your sentencing trial. After your trial you will be given your community service assignment and jury duty dates with instructions on scheduling and completing your sentence.
What happens if I don't finish?
Your case will be sent back to the referring judge and you will be required to pay the fine and the offense will go on your record.
Is Teen Court real?
Yes. The cases are real and so are the consequences. The Teen Court judge has the power to remove from the courtroom and/or hold in contempt any disruptive or disrespectful courtroom observers or participants. Intentional disruption of official court proceedings is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by law. The Teen Court Coordinator and/or the Presiding Teen Court Judge reserve the right to refuse to hear the case of any youth who fails to abide by the "Rules of the Court".
Why should I go to Teen Court?
- Teen Court places the responsibility of the offense on the teen.
- Saves teen or parent from paying the fine.
- Keeps offense off the teens record.
- Turns a mistake into a positive "hands on" Learning experience.
- Reduces the chance of the teen getting another ticket by increasing their awareness of current laws.
- Teen acquires valuable work experience while doing community service.
- Community benefits through the community service hours performed by the teen.
How is Teen Court funded?
Teen Court of Texarkana, Inc. is a 501(c3) non-profit agency that is funded in part by the City of Texarkana, Texas and Bowie County, Texas. The remaining portion is raised through private donations, fundraisers, grants, and Teen Court fees. Teen Court is not a government program.
Can I be a defendant and come back and volunteer?
Yes. Many of the courtroom volunteers are past defendants. That gives them a unique view since they have experienced it firsthand.
Do you have opportunities for volunteers?
Volunteering to work for Teen Court is an educational and rewarding opportunity for both teens and adults. Volunteers are welcome to attend Teen Court Sessions and participate if desired. Teen Court is held on selected Monday evenings in the Bi-State Justice Building, Texas Municipal Court-room. Volunteers should arrive no later than 5:45. Court begins at 6 PM.
Teens:
Teens, ages 13-.18 and currently enrolled in a secondary school of education, may serve as attorneys, bailiffs, court clerks, or jurors. Those teens wishing to be attorneys must attend a one day training session.
Adults:
Adult assistance is needed during court sessions and in the Teen Court office. Duties include monitoring court sessions, enrolling defendants and volunteers, clerical work, training teen volunteers, etc...
Attorneys:
Practicing attorneys are needed to serve as judges and to assist in training teen attorneys.
How do I get more information?
Please visit our CONTACT page.