Purpose of Teen Court
Teen Court is a voluntary program holding teenagers accountable for their offenses by allowing them to perform community service, to serve jury duty and to attend educational programs in lieu of paying fines for Class C misdemeanors. Teen Court programs have consistently proven effective in reducing the rate of
teen repeat offenses. Individual cases are defended and prosecuted by teen attorneys; the verdict is rendered
by a jury of teens.
Teen Court is a partnership between Judge Edna Staudt, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 and the YMCA of Greater Williamson County. The Court is also run by many adult volunteers. Such as, lawyers, judges, educators
and parent volunteers.
Participation in this Teen Court program gives teens an opportunity to realize their roles in the community, instills a sense of pride and responsibility, and through the use of positive peer pressure, helps create
a better community for all.
Procedures
The defendant checks in with bailiff by 6:30 p.m. on court date and completes all appropriate paper work for court clerk.
The defendant must be accompanied by at least one parent. The Teen Court program fee is $20.00 and is payable in cash or money order to the YMCA Teen Court Director on the court date.
The defendant goes before the Teen Court officials— jury, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff, and court clerk, who are all teenagers. The YMCA Teen Court Director and Judge Edna Staudt oversee the entire hearing.
When the jury reaches a decision, the defendant, along with parent(s) returns before the Court to hear sentencing. The defendant and parent(s) meet with the Teen Court Director to discuss terms set forth by the jury.
Upon completion of the program, within a 180 day period, the Williamson County/YMCA Teen Court
delivers a Certificate of Completion to the defendant.
NONCOMPLIANCE with the Teen Court requirements or time frame will result in removal from the program and the fine set by the referring court willbe due and payable.
Conduct and Attire
These rules of the court apply to everyone. Participants are required to show respect for the court proceedings at all times. Rise when the Judge enters the courtroom and remain standing until the Judge or bailiff announces to be seated. Address the court as Judge or Your Honor. Address the opposing parties, counsel, witnesses and court officers as Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc. Do not use first names. Do not talk at the same time as the court, opposing counsel or witnesses. Racist, sexist, obscene, profane language or gestures are prohibited. Do not enter and depart the courtroom excessively. Do nothing to disturb or distract the court, jury, counsels, witnesses or other court personnel. Cellular phones and pagers must be turned to silent mode or turned off. Do not chew gum in the courtroom. No weapons allowed in the courtroom.
Defendants and participants are expected to be on time
and to dress according to the courts standards.
Acceptable Courtroom Attire :
Suits, slacks, dresses and dress shirts, Blue Jeans if clean, pressed, & fitted.
Unacceptable Courtroom Attire :
Shorts, cut-offs, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, clothing that is torn or ragged, or with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, or obscene depictions. Provocative clothing designed or styled to provoke emotion or exposes the chest, stomach, or thighs. Hats or flip flops.
Appropriate dress and behavior from teens and adults are expected at all times.
Teen Court reserves the right to remove anyone from the courtroom who does not comply with these rules of Conduct and Attire.
DEFENDANTS are persons between the ages of 10 and 17 who have received a Class C misdemeanor, plead guilty or no contest, and have not been before Teen Court within the last two years. Defendants must have received permission from a judge and parent to participate.