Teen Court

Teen Court

The idea for Teen Court originated in Odessa, Texas in 1972 when a judge decided to implement a program to try and reach first-time offenders of misdemeanor offenses. The program proved to be successful and began spreading throughout the United States based on the Texas model.

To be eligible for Teen Court, the juvenile must be between the ages of 14-17. Each teen must admit guilt to the offense for which they have been charged. They must also be willing to complete the interventions assigned by the jury. All participants in the courtroom are teens except for the judge. Teen Court works because teens are judging other teens.  With Teen Court, positive peer pressure is the underlying motivational factor.

The most common offenses referred to Teen Court are: shoplifting, criminal trespass, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, minor consumption of alcohol.

Interventions imposed by Teen Court include: Community Restitution Service, essays, counseling, jury duty, Life Skills, classes, monetary fines, apology letters, education programs such as “Stoplifting” and "Marijuana 101".
 
Teen Court is held twice a month in the evenings in Lake Havasu City. For more information, you may contact April Corona, Deputy Probation Officer.

 

 

Probation Links

Probation Home Page

Juvenile Justice Center

Mohave County Probation Departments Mission Statement

Adult / Juvenile Court Work Program

Drug Court

Intake / Diversion Unit

Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision (JIPS)

Most Wanted

Probation Career

Victims's Rights

Helpful Links