 Teen Court
Court Alternative Supervisor:
Stephanie Kibler
Citrus County Courthouse
110 North Apopka Ave., 2nd floor
Inverness, Fl. 34450
(352)341-7035 - Office
Citrus County Teen Court program targets youth misdemeanor offenders
with no prior court record, who admit guilt and voluntarily participate
in the process.
The principal goal of a teen court is to hold young offenders
accountable for their behavior by imposing sanctions that will repair
some of the harm imposed on the victim and community.
The Teen Court program receives referrals from local law enforcement
agencies, probation departments, States Attorneys office, School
Resource Officers and Traffic Court Judge, Mark Yerman. The youths are
thirteen (13) to seventeen (17) years of age.
This category of offense might include such charges as: shoplifting,
vandalism, possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct, trespassing,
interference in a school function, petit theft or traffic violations,
such as, impaired driving, speeding and seat belt nonuse.
Teens, who volunteer their time, serve as jurors, prosecuting attorney,
defense attorney, bailiff, clerk and other officers of the court. The
Judge is the only adult with an active role; usually the adult is a
local attorney who also volunteers their time. Volunteer trainings take
place throughout the year to learn courtroom etiquette and proper court
procedures.
Sentences imposed by teen juries must include community service and
participation in future teen court sessions as jurors. Sentences may
also include restitution to the victim, letters of apology, remedial
classes (theft, alcohol education, etc.) and essays. Sentencing is
intended to be constructive, and to involve the defendant actively in
the community, as well as in future Teen Court sessions.
Following the hearing, the teen defendant and the parents or guardian,
sign a contract agreeing to complete the imposed sanctions. Should the
youth not comply with the jurors sanction, he will be returned to the
Juvenile Court. When the defendant completes the sanctions within the
prescribed time, the State Attorney's Office is notified and the case is
dismissed.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please phone our office.
Teen Court is avenues for youths to become members of the community.
Adult volunteers are always welcome to mentor and guide in the courtroom
experience and with fund raising activities. Teen Court is held on each
Tuesday in the Citrus County Courthouse, in Courtroom "A" from 5:00pm to
7:30pm.
«Back
|
