The Teen Court hearings are closed to the public. The teen admits guilt when entering Teen Court. The jury deliberates and then comes back with the verdict. The teen jury determines each defendant’s sentence based on the nature of the offense committed. Each defendant is also sentenced to serve two jury terms. The Judge reviews and a member of the jury reads the verdict aloud. If the sentence is completed by the defendant, the charges are gone, giving the youth a clean slate. If teens choose not to complete Teen Court they will be sent back to the magistrate or circuit courts and go through the proceedings. If they complete Teen Court teens are getting a second chance.
Teen Court is a great opportunity for the community to unite youth towards delivering prevention and intervention strategies. If operated effectively, Teen Courts are one of the most effective strategies for delivering justice to youth offenders. And if the cost savings of dealing with a situation early vs. a lifetime of detrimental behavior is calculated, this program is certainly worth all the effort! Please volunteer and be a positive part of our community. Home schoolers are welcome to apply. The teens are our future! We want them to be remembered as positive role models based on prior experience. Call or email today:
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY TEEN COURT NEEDS TEEN VOLUNTEERS PLEASE CONTACT:
Angela McQuaid, Volunteer Coordinator
EMAIL: hcwvteencourt@yahoo.com
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