The Teen Court concept is based on the philosophy that youthful offenders will not continue to offend when a jury of their peers punishes them. The program is open to juvenile first-time, misdemeanor offenders. This program allows them to emerge with a clean record, presuming all conditions of their sentence have been completed within the guidelines provided. The jury, which is comprised of teens, does not decide the guilt or innocence of the offender but assesses constructive sentencing for the offender who has pleaded guilty. Marion County Teen Court has a pilot Felony offense program which is limited to Felony property crimes.
Each county within the Fifth Circuit has its own Teen Court program. To participate in the program, please contact the appropriate county office:
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Citrus County Teen Court Sean Glancy, Coordinator 110 North Apopka Avenue Inverness, Florida 34450 Phone: 352-341-6722 |
Hernando County Teen Court John Heyne, Coordinator 20 North Main Street, Room 251 Brooksville, Florida 34601 Phone: 352-540-6263 |
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Lake County Teen Court Stephanie Glass, Coordinator 1300 S. Duncan Drive, Bldg. E Tavares, Florida 32778 Phone: 352-742-6510 |
Marion County Teen Court Ralph Warner, Coordinator 110 NW First Avenue Ocala, Florida 34475 Phone: 352-401-6724 |
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Sumter County Teen Court Maryanne Roth, Coordinator 209 N. Florida Street Bushnell, Florida 33513 Phone: 352-793-0211 x2506 |
Teen Court is made up of volunteers from local middle and high schools. These volunteers serve as jurors, bailiffs, clerks, and attorneys; the only adults in the program are the Coordinator and Judges. Defendants are required to serve as jurors in subsequent proceedings. The program is sponsored by the local County Circuit Judiciary and is governed by an oversight committee of principles from the local referral sources.
An actual Teen Court session begins with the bailiff calling the court to order and announcing the Judge who then introduces the defendant to the jury. The defendant must be accompanied by his parent or legal guardian. The clerk swears in the defendant and administers the oath to the jurors to render a fair sentence based on the evidence presented. The defendant is the only witness. There are both opening and closing arguments, as well as direct and cross examination of the defendant by both prosecuting and defense counsel. After closing, the jury deliberates, elects a foreperson, and reaches a verdict. Court is then reconvened and the verdict is read.
Each defendant receives from 40-75 hours of community service per charge, which must be performed at a non-profit organization. The defendant also must serve 4-8 jury duties in subsequent Teen Court proceedings; restitution is required where applicable.
Beyond these sanctions, the jury is free to impose additional sanctions that range from a tour of the County Jail, to apology letters to the victims, to writing special essays, to the imposition of a curfew. These sanctions are limited only by the imagination of the jurors and the concept of fairness and reason. The defendant has 90 days to complete all required sanctions.
The defendant may accept or reject the sentence and elect to appear before the local county Juvenile Court. The presiding Judge or Coordinator can terminate the proceeding for good cause at any stage.
The Teen Court Coordinator notifies the local middle and high schools of the training sessions for volunteers that are held early in the fall school term. These training sessions are attended by interested teens and are conducted by the Coordinator and various volunteers from the bench and local bar association. Further training sessions are conducted throughout the year to allow new volunteers an opportunity to participate. All volunteers must be in good academic standing. Defendants are asked to participate and may also return once their sanctions are completed. All volunteers are asked to comply with the program rules regarding academic standing, dress code, proper courtroom conduct, and strict compliance with the Confidentiality Oath.
A youth is charged with a law violation by law enforcement agencies.
An initial determination is made by the State Attorney’s Office that the case appears to qualify for referral to Teen Court. The coordinator sets up a file for the case and an interview is scheduled for the minor and parent or legal guardian.
The Coordinator conducts an interview with the minor and his parents/guardians to explain the Teen Court program. The parties execute the participation agreement and waiver. The Coordinator may refer the family to other services if needed.
Offender and parents/guardians sign participation agreements and a court date is scheduled. The coordinator sets the date, prepares copies of police reports (or other paperwork generated by the referral agency), fact sheets, and the court docket. Coordinator prepares community service time sheets and fills in the Teen Court Sentencing contract with available information.