Jefferson County Teen Court is a United Way of the Eastern Panhandle initiative.
Accountability + service = Future Success!
Description
Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines and sentences handed down by the criminal justice system. Teen Court tries real cases with real consequences. Teen Court is a "hands on" educational opportunity that allows both offenders and teen volunteers to better understand our system of justice.
A youth referred to Teen Court has his/her case argued by teenage prosecuting and defense attorneys before a jury of peers, consisting of volunteers from grades seven through twelve of local county schools and returning youth who were previously defendants. The teen jury determines each defendant’s sentence based on the nature of the offense committed, and assigns the number of hours of community service to be performed. Each defendant is also sentenced to serve a number of jury terms.
Mission
The mission of the Jefferson County Teen Court program is to assist juvenile offenders in assuming responsibility for their criminal behavior; to hold them accountable for their actions and to teach them to make better decisions in the future, while treating them with respect and dignity; to involve the community through volunteer programs and community service opportunities; and to promote better communication between youth, parents, schools, law enforcement agencies, and the community.
Reviews, get directions and information Jefferson County Teen Court.
