The first time offender must be between the ages of 10-17 and referred to the Teen Court System by a judge or agency. The offender must have committed a misdemeanor crime or an ordinance violation. Once in the Teen Court System, the offender must admit to committing the offense they are charged with and be willing to perform whatever sentence it is that the Teen Court panel sees fit.

Cases are presented in the Oconto County Courthouse in front of the teen panel. Everyone in the courtroom takes an oath of confidentiality. The offender is sworn in and questioned by the teen panel to determine the circumstances of the offense. After carefully listening to the facts, the teen panel leaves the courtroom to discuss a constructive sentence for the defendant. Examples of sentences could include letters of apology, community service, essays, projects, counseling or workshops.