Teen Court is an alternative program to the juvenile court system that provides graduated sanctions (penalties) for first time juvenile offenders. Sanctions for the youth are determined by a jury of their peers, and imposed based on the severity and circumstances of the offense. It is a “hands-on” educational opportunity to better understand our system of justice for offenders and for youth volunteers.

Who is Eligible for Teen Court?

Eligible offenders are juveniles, ages 11-18 (ages may vary by county), who have committed first-time, misdemeanor offenses such as vandalism, simple affray, shoplifting, and certain school violations.

 Who Refers Cases?

• School Resource Officers/Local Law Enforcement
• Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention/Juvenile Intake Counselor
• District Attorney’s Office

Teen Court Volunteers

Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to volunteer with Teen Court. Youth volunteers participate in classes, as well as serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jury members as part of the Teen Court process. Students interested in applying for positions with Teen Court can contact their school guidance counselor or school resource officer for an application. Youth volunteer recruitment is typically held at the beginning of each new school year (between August & September). However, some of our Teen Court programs accept applications year round (see below). 

 Youth Volunteer Applications: Duplin, Nash/Edgecombe/Wilson, &  Onslow

Benefits 

• Juveniles brought before Teen Court learn to accept responsibility for their actions by completing various sanctions imposed by a jury of their peers.
• Juveniles completing Teen Court successfully will have no criminal record of the offense.
• Youth and young adults are educated about the American system of justice.
• Youth are provided a peer group working together for awareness and compliance with the law.
• Positive relationships between adult community members and youth are built, enabling juveniles, adult volunteers, professionals, and others to take proactive ownership of their community

Check out our Volunteer Testimonials Below

Our Teen Court programs in Pitt, Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson Counties now oversee Community Service for our juvenile offenders served.  If any non-profit is interested in serving as a Community Service site, please contact the coordinators in these counties.

Listed below are the counties in which we serve as well as program coordinators:

Craven & Pamlico County –Renee Stewart 

Duplin County– Ciaria Miller

District 7 Counties (Wilson/Nash/Edgecombe)– Jasmine Harris

Onslow County– Darche Roy

Pitt County– Denazjah Tuten 

   Click Here for Coordinator Contact Information

Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see our inaugural MCEC Teen Court Mock Trial Competition

2021 MCEC Mock Trial

To learn more, check out Teen Court on Youtube