City Departments
Quick Links
- 2011 Election
- City Council
- City Council Candidate Filings
- City Departments
- City Events
- City News
- Community Links
- Directions
- Employment
- Floodplain Information
- How Do I?
- HVTV
- Legal Notices
- New Resident Info
- Public Information Act (Open Record Request)
- Recycling
- Red, White & Blue Festival
- Senior All-Stars
- Utility Billing
- Volunteer Opportunities
Teen Court
Participation in Teen Court is based on an admission of guilt. Before enrolling, teens must appear before a Municipal Court Judge with a parent or guardian (if under 17), and enter a plea of guilty or no contest. The choice of participating in Teen Court is an alternative sentencing program to keep the offense off your record rather than just paying the fine and have it on your record. After the Judge has granted you permission to take Teen Court, you and your parent will have a meeting with the Teen Court Coordinator to discuss the Teen Court procedures. The Teen Court Coordinator is present the evening of your court date for your convenience.
Who is eligible?
- Teenagers 10 – 18 years old, and others, who are full time students and have received a Class C citation.
- Participation is voluntary and solely at the Municipal Court Judge’s discretion. Defendants may choose at any time to pay the fine and not complete the Teen Court, however, the violation will then go on your record.
What are the Benefits of Teen Court?
- Results in dismissal of the case, if all requirements are timely and successfully met, which keeps the offenses(s) off the teen’s record.
- Teens become acquainted with judicial system.
- Experiences satisfaction of contributing to the community.
- Gains valuable work experience.
How can I sign-up?
- Defendant enters a plea in the open court and must be deemed eligible by the Judge to participate in Teen Court.
- Teen meets with the Teen Court Coordinator, which takes approximately 10 minutes after the Judge grants permission. This allows for discussion of each case, setting the court date, reviewing the rules and regulations of the court, and selecting an agency in which to do the required community service.
What are dress and behavior rules for Teen Court?
The courtroom is a formal and very serious place commanding respect from all who participate in the proceedings. All participants are required to dress accordingly:
- Females in appropriate length and neckline dresses, slacks, or skirts and blouses
- Males in slacks and shirts with collars.
- No tobacco product, alcohol, obscene or profane language and horseplay prohibited. Eating, drinking, or the use of gum is prohibited in the courtroom. NO WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED!
- The Teen Court may refuse to hear cases or refuse jury duty from those who do not follow these guidelines.
How do I obtain an attorney?
- Both teenage defense attorney and a teenage prosecutor are appointed to each case heard in the Teen Court.
How much will Teen Court Cost me?
- Each defendant is assessed a non-refundable administrative fee, plus the court cost for each citation. The fee to the Municipal Court is $20.00 (CASH) per violation. You will be required to pay fees to both the Municipal Court and the Teen Court.
- Class 1 $10.00
- Class 2 $10.00
- Class 3 $10.00
- Class 4 $15.00
- Fees must be paid at the time of enrollment.
Can I volunteer for Teen Court?
- Teens – Staff consists of volunteers, ages 10-18, who serves as attorneys, bailiffs, court clerks and jurors.
Adults – Assistance is always welcome in the many aspects of the court.
**VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TEEN COURT OFFICE OR DURING ANY TEEN COURT SESSION.**