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 ProcedureArt. 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 defendants 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 VolunteerTeen Court also:

Provides environment to discuss and observe the difference between appropriate behavior and inappropriate and illegal behavior and the consequences involvedLearn 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 NacogdochesJustice of the Peace, Pct. 1 Judge Kerry Don WilliamsonJustice of the Peace, Pct. 2 Judge Dorothy Tigner-ThompsonJustice of the Peace, Pct. 3 Judge LeAnn GoernerJustice of the Peace, Pct. 4 Judge David PerkinsMunicipal Court Judge Juanita Springer

OFFENSE CLASSIFICATIONMISDEMEANOR C Class 1 LitteringIncludes, but not limited to: VandalismSpeeding (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 LicenseIncludes, 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 TobaccoMISDEMEANOR C Class 3 Possession of Drug ParaphernaliaIncludes, but not limited to: Assault Speeding 21-30 miles over the limit) Terrorist Threat Racing Criminal Mischief/Trespassing

LEVEL OF OFFENSEDays to Complete Com. ServiceJURY DUTIESCOMMUNITY SERVICE HRSOTHER MANDATORY DISCIPLINEOPTIONAL DISCIPLINESClass 130 days4-815-20 hrsN/A*250 word research paper or poster on related subject Class 245 days8-1220-30 hrsStar Program/DETCOG (littering, petty theft, drug paraphernalia & failure to identify self) * Apology to Victim *300 word research paper or poster on related subject Class 360 days12-1630-40 hrsAlcohol offenses must attend alcohol awareness course Star Program/DETCOG (all)*Apology to Victim 450 word research paper or Poster on related subject Class 460 days12-1640-50 hrs Star Program/DETCOG (all) * Apology to Victim *500 word research paper or poster on related subject Class 590 days12-2045-65 hrsStar Program/DETCOG (all) *Apology to Victim *600 word research paper or poster on related subject

Teen Court StaffTeen 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 CodeGirls 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 TEXASJury SummonsCushing isd studentYou 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) 569-8844Please 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.

Breanna Knight and Josh McClain go over their cases with Troopers John Riggins and Keith Jones.

Sarafina Feldman working as the Court ClerkJosh McClain being accused of leading the witness.His response, I AM NOT.