Teen Court

Teens Helping Teens

Teen Court is an alternative sentencing program for juveniles between the ages of 13 and 17 who are charged with a first offense, the maximum penalty for which does not exceed six months imprisonment and/or a fine of $750.

After sentencing by a jury of their peers, a Teen Court defendant must complete his/her sentence to have the criminal charge dismissed by the judge. Teen Court juries cannot impose jail time.

Program Goals

The goal of Teen Court is to intervene in early antisocial, delinquent, and criminal behavior, and to reduce the incidence of and prevent the escalation of such behavior. Teen Court is premised on the belief that positive peer pressure will yield positive results. The Teen Court goal is to also foster good citizenship and assist in positive, timely, and practical resolution of routine juvenile misdemeanor offenses. The goal is to provide accountability for one's actions and strengthen the offender's ties to school, community, and positive peer role models in the community.

Program Benefits

Successful completion of Teen Court requirements within the specified time frame will result in dismissal of the case. It will also allow the youth to become acquainted with the judicial system and experience the satisfaction of contributing to the community while gaining valuable work experience.

Teen Court is an educational experience for youth sponsored by the Municipal Court of Green River. For more information, please call (307) 872-0550.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Teen Court work?
• Who serves on the Teen Court jury?
• Is there a dress code for Teen Court?

Teen Court Personnel

Coordinator

Teen Court is supervised and daily operations are overseen by a coordinator who assists in setting the Teen Court schedule and informing participants of the proceedings. The coordinator also tracks all cases from beginning to end.

Judge

A judge presides over the sentencing hearing; explains the criminal charge to the jury; instructs the jury on the applicable law, evidence, and sentencing options; and sentences the offender in accordance with the jury verdict.

Bailiff

Bailiffs are volunteers over the age of 18 that assist in the jury room for deliberations and return the jury into the courtroom after sentencing is decided.

Defense Advocate

Defense advocates represent the interest of the offender, investigate the circumstances of the offense and background of the offender, present evidence at the sentencing hearing, and make sentencing recommendations to the jury. Defense advocates can be youth.

Additional Information

For additional information or questions please contact the Municipal Court at (307) 872-0550.