Teen Court is a program for teens, ages 10-17, who commit misdemeanor crimes or ordinance violations. Some of these include:

• Breaking curfew
• Theft
• Disorderly conduct
• Underage alcohol or tobacco use
• Minor criminal damage

How Teen Court Works

The first time offender must be between the ages of 10-17 and have been referred to the Teen Court System by a judge or agency. Once in the system, the offender must admit to committing the offense they are charged with and be willing to perform whatever sanctions the Teen Court Panel sees fit.

Cases are presented in the Oconto County Courthouse in front of the Teen Court 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 constructive sanctions for the defendant. Examples of sanctions could include:

• Essay (500-2000 words)
• Apology letter (parents, police, victim, owner of store)
• Verbal apology (to parent, victim)
• Community Service
• Getting involved in after-school activity
• Counseling
• Tutoring
• Job skills training
• Litter pick up

The Teen Court Panel

---