DRUG FREE COMMUNITIES:

TEEN COURT - Queen Anne's County

The Teen Court Program is a diversionary program designed to provide young first-time offenders who commit minor offenses with a second chance and opportunity to learn from their mistakes without imposition of a juvenile record.  Instead of appearing in Juvenile Court before a Master or Judge, juvenile offenders appear before a jury of their peers who determine the appropriate sanctions for the conduct committed. Sanctions may include jury services, community service hours, participation in extracurricular activities after school, apology letters, a Detention Center tour, a Smoking Cessation Program or a Queen Anne’s County Department of Health Referral, or a MADD Program. The program was started in Queen Anne's County by the States Attorney Frank Kratovil, Jr.

The Teen Court Program is run by Teens for Teens.  It is a “hands on” educational opportunity that allows both offenders and volunteers to better understand our system of justice. A youth referred to Teen Court has his/her case argued by teenage prosecutors and defense attorneys before  a jury of peers, consisting of volunteers from local middle schools and high schools, and prior offenders sentenced to jury service.  Teens also serve as bailiffs and clerks.

The teens are educated with regard to courtroom personnel, procedures and rules of evidence. The students are faced with the difficult task of determining appropriate sanctions for individuals who have admitted involvement in criminal acts. Each offense is categorized into a particular class, which guides possible sanctions to be imposed.

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HOW DOES TEEN COURT WORK?

The respondent (juvenile offender) is appointed a volunteer teen defense attorney. A volunteer teen prosecutor is assigned to represent the State. The Assistant State's Attorney gives guidance to the teen attorneys at the Planning Meeting prior to the court session and meets with them to discuss the case.

Each hearing is held in Queen Anne's County Circuit Court before a Judge or the Juvenile Master.  At the conclusion of each case, the jury retires to deliberate to determine the appropriate sanctions to be imposed based upon the nature and facts of the case. For more information see the brochure.