Teen Court is a voluntary program which assists teenage offenders in assuming responsibility for their behavior through involvement in the judicial process and work in the community.

Yes. Every participant in Teen court takes an Oath of Confidentiality and must keep any information they hear in court confidential. The Teen Court Coordinator only discusses your case with you, your parent, the teen attorneys, and the referring judge.

Jeans, in good condition, are acceptable as appropriate attire for the courtroom.

NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE COURTROOM (This includes gum and candy)

CELLPHONES MUST BE OFF WHILE IN THE COURTROOM

The following are not allowed:

• ALL:
  • Caps and Hats
  • T-Shirts with logos, Pictures or writing
  • Shorts, Overalls, Athletic Wear, Sweat pants, or Wind pant
  • Sunglasses
  • Torn Clothing of any kind
  • Flip-Flops, sandals may be worn with prior approval
  • Shoes must be tied and tied correctly
• Females:
  • Miniskirts (more than 3″ above the knee **Slits included)
  • Tank Tops, Midriff, or sleeveless shirts
• Males:
  •  MAY NOT WEAR EARRINGS
  • Sagging pants (pants will be worn at the hip bone on the waist)
  • Shirts must be tucked in and you must wear a belt

The Teen Court Coordinator or appointed representative has the final authority regarding inappropriate behavior and/or attire.

Yes. Teen Court is a formal and serious place requiring everyone’s respect.

Anyone between the ages of 10 and 18 years old who pleads guilty or no contest to a first offense Class C misdemeanor and is currently enrolled, full time; in an accredited secondary school program.

An individual may go to Teen Court once every year.

Step One: When you and your parent appear before the Judge concerning your ticket, you must ask the Judge if you could be considered for Teen Court, instead of paying a fine.

Step Two: If the Judge grants your request and refers your case to Teen Court, then you and your parent must schedule an interview and meet with the Teen Court Coordinator.

Step Three: If the Teen Court Coordinator approves, your case will be set for Teen Court.

A jury of your peers will determine your sentence or punishment, which could entail any of the following:

• Community service (hours are determined by the offense)
• Service as a juror in Teen Court
• Participation in educational courses
• Referral to counseling

The jury will consider your testimony, the prosecuting and defense attorneys recommendations, and the “Teen Court Discipline Guidelines” to determine the appropriate sentence for your case.

All defendants are required to complete the attached form. By filling in the form prior to arrival you can save time at the interview. Interview Form

Yes. Teen Court Volunteers are issued a polo style shirt with the Teen Court insignia embroidered on the left shoulder. Volunteers are asked to wear either black or khaki slacks, (girls may wear skirts), with their Teen Court shirt on court nights. Dress code for Junior Bar Meetings is casual.

Yes and No. A teen attorney may defend friends. No youth is allowed to prosecute someone they go to school with or may know socially. There have been no incidents of retaliation since the Wichita County Teen Court was established.

All Teen Court Volunteers are asked to sign an oath of confidentiality. Also, prior to each session the entire group takes an oath to keep all proceedings confident.  If you are found breeching this oath you could end up in serious trouble.

All volunteers are asked to be present and signed in with the Teen Court staff by 5:15PM on court nights. Cases are assigned at this time and if a youth is late he or she may not have any assigned duties. Work will be found, there is always something to do!

You can go to any approved community service location posted on our bulletin board without contacting us first.  If you want to use an different location all together you must get prior approval for the hours to count.  The organization MUST be a 501 (C3) Non-Profit.

Double Credit Events are posted on our website calendar, Wichita County Teen Court Facebook page and are announced during every court night.