“Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines and sentences handed down by the criminal justice system. Teen Court tries REAL CASES with REAL CONSEQUENCES.”

―—Teen Court Association of Texas website

•As a defendant, Teen Court gives the youth a way to take responsibility for their actions without reaching into their parents’ wallets to pay fines. Also, besides becoming familiar with the justice system, the defendant is provided with valuable work experience and becomes aware of many forms of community service.

Code of Criminal Procedure

Art. 45.052. Dismissal of Misdemeanor Charge On Completion Of Teen Court Program

A justice or municipal court may defer proceedings against a defendant who is under the age of 18 or enrolled full time in an accredited secondary school in a program leading toward a high school diploma for not more than 180 days if the defendant:

Is charged with an offense that the court has jurisdiction of under Article 4.11 or 4.14, Code of Criminal Procedure;

Pleads “nolo contendere” (no contest) or guilty to the offense in open court with the defendant’s parent, guardian, or managing conservator present

• As a volunteer attorney, bailiff, clerk, or juror, Teen Court allows the youth to experience the justice system firsthand and sometimes even influence their future career. It allows youth from all different schools, social groups, and backgrounds to become acquainted while learning how to work together. Being a Teen Court volunteer also lets the participant be recognized, not for academic or athletic talent, but for traits of character, such as responsibility, dependability, honesty, cooperation.

Breanna Knight and Josh McClain go over their cases

with Troopers John Riggins and Keith Jones.

Sarafina Feldman working as the Court Clerk

Amanda Sitton and Breanna Knight

with their Teen Court

patches and Judge David Perkins

Some Cushing students being sworn in as jurors

For the Teen Court Volunteer

• Teen Court also:

– Provides environment to discuss and observe the difference between appropriate behavior and inappropriate and illegal behavior and the consequences involved

– Learn the basics of trial proceedings.

• As a member of your community, Teen Court saves your city thousands of dollars in labor costs and allows adults and teens to work together, providing mentors for the youth while allowing adults to see what fine citizens teenagers can be.

5 Referring Agents In Nacogdoches

• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 Judge Kerry Don Williamson• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2

Judge Dorothy Tigner-Thompson• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 Judge LeAnn Goerner• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 Judge David Perkins• Municipal Court Judge Juanita Springer

OFFENSE CLASSIFICATION

MISDEMEANOR C Class 1 Littering

Includes, but not limited to: Vandalism

Speeding (up to 9 miles over the limit) Disorderly Conduct

License or Restriction Violations Failure to Identify Self

No Seatbelt MISDEMEANOR C Class 4

Running A Stop Sign Includes, but not limited to:

Other minor traffic offenses Speeding 31-40 miles over limit)

MISDEMEANOR C Class 2 Driving with Suspended License

Includes, but not limited to: Illegal Fishing/Hunting

Speeding (10-20 miles over the limit) Theft $50-$500

Unsafe Speed Runway

Unsafe Lane Change Truancy

Fail To Control Speed MISDEMEANOR C Class 5

Fail To Yield Right of Way Speeding 41-and up over limit)

No Driver's License Public Intoxication

Expired Driver's License Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Violate Driver's License Restrictions Minor in Possession of Tobacco

No Proof of Insurance Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Speeding in a School Zone Minor in Possession of Tobacco

Petty Theft (under $50.) Minor in Possession of Tobacco

MISDEMEANOR C Class 3 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Includes, but not limited to: Assault

Speeding 21-30 miles over the limit) Terrorist Threat

Racing Criminal Mischief/Trespassing

LEVEL OF OFFENSE

Days to Complete

Com. ServiceJURY

DUTIESCOMMUNITY

SERVICE HRSOTHER MANDATORY

DISCIPLINE OPTIONAL DISCIPLINES

Class 1 30 days 4-8 15-20 hrs N/A*250 word research paper or poster on related subject

Class 2 45 days 8-12 20-30 hrs

Star Program/DETCOG (littering, petty theft, drug paraphernalia & failure to identify self)

* Apology to Victim *300 word research paper or poster on related subject

Class 3 60 days 12-16 30-40 hrs

Alcohol offenses must attend alcohol awareness course Star Program/DETCOG (all)

*Apology to Victim 450 word research paper or Poster on related subject

Class 4 60 days 12-16 40-50 hrs Star Program/DETCOG (all)

* Apology to Victim *500 word research paper or poster on related subject

Class 5 90 days 12-20 45-65 hrs Star Program/DETCOG (all)

*Apology to Victim *600 word research paper or poster on related subject

Teen Court Staff

• Teen Court Judge -Judge David Perkins

• Teen Court Training Attorney - Mrs. Beth Brice

• Teen Court Coordinator - Gae Mitchell

The Judge and attorney volunteer their time to Teen Court

Teen Court Rules and Dress Code

• Girls – No shorts, No pants with holes/tears anywhere, no T-shirts with obscene slogans and no midriff tops. No short skirts and no flip flops.

• Boys – No shorts, No pants with holes/tears anywhere, no T-shirts with obscene slogans. No caps. Shirts with long tails are to be worn tucked in. No flip flops.

• No food, gum, drinks, or tobacco brought into the court room.

• Beepers and cell phones must be on silent at all times in the court room.

• Mr. Johnson has the FINAL say so on all clothing attire.

David Bain – Defense Attorney

IN THE TEEN COURT OF NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, STATE OF TEXAS

Jury SummonsCushing isd student

You are hereby notified to serve as juror for the Nacogdoches County Teen Court:

Monday, February 7, 2011Please arrive at the District Courtroom in the Nacogdoches County

Courthouse (Corner of South Street and West Main) by 6:15pm, so that court may begin promptly at 6:30pm. If riding with Mr. Johnson, be at the

Cushing High School at 4:30PM. Two trials are scheduled for the evening; therefore, we anticipate court will adjourn around 8:15-8:30pm. All trials are

open to the public, so parents and friends are welcome.Also, you may bring a friend to sign-in as a juror with you, if they are in 7th thru 12th grade and attending school in Nacogdoches County. 7th and 8th grade students can only be jurors, bailiffs, or court clerks but, cannot be

attorneys.It is recommended that you call the Teen Court phone line the day of

the trial for any changes that might have occurred. (936) 569-8844

Please remember the Rules and Dress Code of the Courtroom!Gae Mitchell, Coordinator Shane Johnson, CISD-PD

Josh McClain being accused of leading the witness.His response, “I AM NOT.”