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Teen
Court of Brown County
Works
in conjunction with the Brown County District Attorney's Office
Why
Teen Court?
A primary objective of Teen Court is
to reduce repeat offenses by youth. Since juvenile offenders often identify peer
pressure as a contributing factor to crime, using peers to hold them
accountable has a positive impact on
the
offender and reduces the likelihood of
repeating the same or similar mistake. Also, the sentences imposed by the teen
juries
are designed for the defendants to examine their actions and the effects on themselves,
their
families and the community. If the teen successfully completes the sentence from the jury,
the charge will be dismissed from his/her record. A teen that fails to complete
the sentence
is referred back to municipal court.
How
does Teen Court work?
Cases are presented in the Brown County Courthouse. The judges are local attorneys
who volunteer their time as the judge. Everyone in the courtroom signs and takes a verbal oath
of confidentiality. The defendant is sworn to tell the truth and is questioned by the teen
defense and prosecution attorneys to determine the circumstances of the offense. A parent
also takes the witness stand and is questioned by the attorneys to provide
background information about the defendant. After carefully listening to the facts, the jurors adjourn to
the deliberation room to determine a constructive sentence for the defendant. Sentences include
mandatory jury duty, and other options such
as apology letters, essays, community service, or
other projects.
How
does a juvenile get to Teen Court?
Teens are referred to Teen Court through
the municipal courts. After the Teen Court staff receives the municipal referral, an assessment interview is scheduled with the parent and
the juvenile to explain the Teen Court process and to discuss the details of the case which
are presented to the teen lawyers ahead of time for preparation.
How can I volunteer?
See our Volunteer
Signup Page for more information.
View
a Teen Court brochure
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to Family Services' home page
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