How does a juvenile offender get involved in Teen Court? The Courts, Juvenile Intake, direct referral from a law enforcement agency and schools.
What is Teen Court? This program offers first offenders an alternative to Juvenile Court. The offender must admit their guilt in order to participate in Teen Court. A jury of their peers will sentence them. Referrals can come from Juvenile Intake, Law Enforcement Officers, School Officials or through the Courts.
Who is it for? The program serves youth ages 12-17 who commit first-time, Misdemeanor crimes AND for youth interested in becoming a volunteer juror, attorney, bailiff or clerk.
What types of offenses? Offenses that Teen Court will handle include theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, trespassing, obstructing, disorderly conduct, damage to property, possession of tobacco, shoplifting, truancy, curfew, GDL violations and other offenses as appropriate. Cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.
If I volunteer, what will I do? After you receive training you could serve as a jury member, bailiff, clerk, defense attorney or prosecuting attorney.
What are the sentences? Future participation on the Teen Court jury, community service and essays or letters of apology are mandatory conditions of a sentence. Other conditions of a sentence could include, restitution, fines, community or individual projects, daily journals, home curfews.
When are the Teen Court sessions? Court is held the second Wednesday evenings of every month, at the Iowa County Courthouse, in the Courtroom. If referrals are higher court may by held on the fourth Wednesday evening too.
Who benefits? Juvenile offender – if there is compliance with the court’s sentence he or she will have succeeded in turning the offense into something useful. Parents they are no longer held totally accountable, the juvenile becomes responsible for his or her actions. Community – receives benefits from projects & community service, sees teens being held accountable. Court – reduces juvenile court costs and provides a sentence that is tailored to the offender and the offense. Youth Volunteers – gain a sense of responsibility, help encourage peers to stop behaviors that reflect on all teens, and provides an opportunity to have valuable input in the justice system. Upon completion of the Teen Court Sentence, citations will be dismissed or Juvenile Referrals will be closed with no records of the offense. This gives the youth an opportunity to start clean and hopefully make better decisions.
How do I become involved? You can call Marcia D. Richgels, Teen Court Director
At (608)935-0387 or fax (608)935-0386 to become involved or to learn more about the
program.