What is Teen Court?
Mecklenburg County Teen Court is an
alternative justice system for juveniles
aged 12 through 17 with no previous
delinquent adjudications. Teen Court
offers these Juveniles an opportunity
to learn from their mistakes. Successful
program completion allows the offender
to avoid being processed further in the
juvenile court system. This juvenile-
based justice system places strong
emphasis on accountability, positive peer
influence and youth empowerment and
involvement. Teens, both volunteers and
Juveniles, serve together on juries to reach
constructive sentences.
Who is Eligible?
An appropriate referral is a Juvenile:
• age 12–17 with no previous convictions;
• who commits a misdemeanor offense;
• and voluntarily accepts responsibility
for his/her offense and agrees to the
Teen Court alternative;
• has a parent or guardian who agrees to
support the youth’s participation in the
program.
How Does it Work?
• Referrals are received by the Teen
Court administrator. If the case is
appropriate, the Juvenile and family will
be contacted to begin the process.
• The Juvenile, along with parent or
guardian, will be interviewed. To
participate in the program, the youth
must accept responsibility for his/her
involvement in the offense.
• The Juvenile will appear in court before
an adult judge and a jury of peers.
Court sessions are from 5:00—8:15 p.m.
• The jury will deliberate a constructive
sentence, including community service
hours and participation on Teen Court
juries. Creative sentences may include
but are not limited to letters of apology,
Stop & Think classes, targeted essays,
and interviews with law enforcement.
• Completion of the
sentence in 60-90
days is monitored
by the Teen
Court Program
Administrator.
Successful
completion
results in closure
of the case by the
referring agency
and no further
court action.
Who Refers Cases?
• Law enforcement agencies in
Mecklenburg County
• NCDPS, Juvenile Justice
• CMS Police Department
What are the Benefits?
• Juveniles, as well as volunteer teens,
learn to take responsibility for their
actions.
• Upon completion of Teen Court, the
Juvenile’s case is closed with no further
legal action.
• Teen volunteers and Juveniles have an
opportunity to learn good citizenship
through the experience of community
service.
• Teens gain understanding by
participating in the judicial process.
• The likelihood of future delinquent
behavior is reduced.
• Teens are helping teens—through
positive peer influence, accountability
and empowerment to effect change
within their own generation.