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Teen Court is an alternative to circuit and municipal court for first-time and minor repeat offenders. The program has been operating since April 1998, and 396 youth have been sentenced through teen court.
Youth under age 17 are eligible for teen court. The court hears any case requested by the referring agency. All municipalities in Jefferson County refer youth to teen court. Some refer directly from the police department, some refer from municipal court. The Department of Human Services and the District Attorney's Office also refer youth to teen court.
Youth are sentenced to a combination of community service, jury terms, essays, apology letters, educational groups, victim offender conferencing, and projects. The jury has discretion to determine the appropriate sentence.
Youth perform all of the important roles in the courtroom, including attorneys, bailiff, court clerk, and jurors. An adult judge presides.
The program was the subject of a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Extension in 2001. The study concluded that the Jefferson County Teen Court Program was a model program for positive youth development. In addition, youth who complete the program have significantly lower recidivism rates than youth who are sentenced through circuit court.
Both youth and adults are encouraged to volunteer. Youth can serve as jury members, attorneys, or court personnel. Adults serve as judges.
You can make a difference in the life of a kid.
To become a teen court volunteer, contact:
Corrie Potthier, Program Coordinator
920-563-2437 or cpotthier@oppinc.com
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