Misdemeanor
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.
Felony
Each defendant receives 75-100 community service hours per charge. The defendant must serve between 10-12 jury duties. 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. The youth may be referred to other agencies for other sanctions, such as anger management or counseling. 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 for misdemeanors and 120 days for felony cases and no valid driver’s license.
No Valid Driver’s License
Teen Court also accepts referrals from Misdemeanor Traffic Court for juveniles charged with no valid driver’s license. These youth receive the same sanctions as misdemeanors cases listed above plus a traffic law workbook. They must complete all required sanctions within 75-90 days.
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.