Teen Court
Youth Helping Youth
Sponsored by Municipal Court
City of Green River
(307) 872-0550
What is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a voluntary alternative to the criminal justice system for the young people under 18 years of age who have committed a crime or offense, the maximum penalty for which does not exceed six months imprisonment and/or fine of $750.00. A youth charged with a motor vehicle code violation, alcohol related violation, curfew violation, or any other ordinance is eligible for Teen Court as long as it is a first offense of any kind.
What is the Goal of Teen Court?
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, 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.
How does it Work?
Teenagers who appear before the Municipal Court Judge may request Teen Court as an alternative, if they are willing to plead guilty to their offense and if they and their parents agree to abide by the Teen Court guidelines. Those who complete the punishment phase will have the offense removed from their record and will avoid the larger fines of the adult court system. Those who do not complete their punishment phase must return to the adult court system for assessment of punishment. Punishment is usually a designated number of hours on work restitution, a term on Teen Court jury duty, counseling, essays, fines, and in some cases special educational courses. No jail time can be imposed.
There is a participation fee of $10 which must be paid at the time of registration for Teen court. This fee is non-refundable.
How are Cases Referred to Teen Court?
At the time a youth under 18 years of age appears in Municipal Court for initial appearance or entry of plea the offender and his or her parent or guardian must request sentencing by the Teen Court jury. The presiding Judge will then enter the offender's guilty plea of record, provided there are sufficient facts to support the plea. The case will then be assigned to the Teen Court. The offender must plead guilty to the offense with which he or she has been charged before the case will be transferred to Teen Court.
Who Serves on the Teen Court Jury?
The jury will be a group of teenagers who have volunteered for service or who are completing jury duty as a part of their sentence.
The teen jury is not allowed to discuss any aspect of a case with the defendants prior to the actual sentencing in Teen Court. Improper communication can result in the case being transferred back to adult court.
A jury foreperson leads the jury deliberations, ensures participation of all jurors, mediates disputes among jurors, calls for vote during deliberations, and delivers the verdict to the bailiff.
The jury foreperson is elected from the jury panel after the defendant has explained his or her case and when the jury retires to the jury room to deliberate.
Is There a Dress Code for Teen Court?
The courtroom is a formal and very serious place, commanding respect from all who participate in the proceedings. The following rules are to be observed.
- No caps or hats
- No tank tops, midriff, or halter tops
- No T-shirts or clothing with obscene or profane language or illustrations
- No torn clothing
- No shorts
- No sunglasses
- No gang related clothing
Teen Court also prohibits the use of gum or tobacco products, eating, drinking or the use of obscene or profane language or signs. The impression a defendant makes on a jury is important. A good attitude and positive appearance will leave a positive impression.
Teen Court reserves the right to refuse to hear a case from those persons who fail to abide by the outlined dress code. Jurors are held to the same standards as defendants.
What are the Benefits?
Successful completion of Teen Court requirements within the specified time frame will result in dismissal of the case. It will also allow the teenager to become acquainted with the judicial system and experience the satisfaction of contributing to the community while gaining valuable work experience.
Who Do I Contact to Volunteer for Teen Court?
Please call the Municipal Court office at:
872-0550 between the hours of
8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Teen Court is held on a weekday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Teen Court is held at the Green River City Hall, Green River, Wyoming, in the Municipal Court, or City Council Chambers.
50 E. 2nd North
Green River, Wyoming
TEEN COURT JURIES CANNOT IMPOSE JAIL TIME
THIS IS AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTH
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:
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(s):
Volunteers over the age of 18 to assist the jury room for deliberations and return the jury into the courtroom after sentencing is decided.
Defense Advocate:
Represents the interests of the offender, investigates the circumstances of the offense and background of the offender; and presents evidence at the sentencing hearing, and makes sentencing recommendation to the jury. Can be youth.