Teen Court Defendant Information

Eligibility:

• This is your first offense
• You are 11-17 years old
• You were charged with a crime listed under eligible offenses
• You did not receive more than one charge
• You received a letter in the mail before your arraignment stating that you are eligible. 

 Teen Court may be right for you if:

• You want to be sentenced by a magistrate panel or jury of your peers, rather than an adult
• You want to avoid having a juvenile conviction on your record (through a deferred judgement)
• You would like to present witnesses and evidence and have your case heard by your peers.

 What you should consider:

• Teen Court requires that you return to be sentenced on a Wednesday evening, 2-4 weeks after you are originally seen in Court.
• A parent or guardian MUST appear with you.
• Your sentence may be lighter or it may be more harsh than one given by the Judge.
• You are giving up your right to have an adult attorney try your case.