“Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system
of justice that offers young offenders an
opportunity to make restitution for their offenses
through community service, educational classes,
and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines
and sentences handed down by the criminal
justice system. Teen Court tries REAL CASES with
REAL CONSEQUENCES.”
―—Teen Court Association of Texas
website
•As a defendant, Teen Court gives the
youth a way to take responsibility for
their actions without reaching into their
parents’ wallets to pay fines. Also, besides
becoming familiar with the justice system,
the defendant is provided with valuable
work experience and becomes aware of
many forms of community service.
Code of Criminal Procedure
Art. 45.052. Dismissal of Misdemeanor Charge
On Completion Of Teen Court Program
A justice or municipal court may defer
proceedings against a defendant who is under the
age of 18 or enrolled full time in an accredited
secondary school in a program leading toward a
high school diploma for not more than 180 days if
the defendant:
Is charged with an offense that the court has
jurisdiction of under Article 4.11 or 4.14,
Code of Criminal Procedure;
Pleads “nolo contendere” (no contest)
or guilty to the offense in open court with
the defendant’s parent, guardian, or
managing conservator present
• As a volunteer attorney, bailiff, clerk, or juror, Teen
Court allows the youth to experience the justice system
firsthand and sometimes even influence their future
career. It allows youth from all different schools, social
groups, and backgrounds to become acquainted while
learning how to work together. Being a Teen Court
volunteer also lets the participant be recognized, not for
academic or athletic talent, but for traits of character,
such as responsibility, dependability, honesty,
cooperation.
Breanna Knight and Josh McClain go over their cases
with Troopers John Riggins and Keith Jones.
Sarafina Feldman working as the Court Clerk
Amanda Sitton and
Breanna Knight
with
their Teen Court
patches and Judge
David Perkins
Some Cushing students
being sworn in as jurors
For the Teen Court Volunteer
• Teen Court also:
– Provides environment to discuss and observe
the difference between appropriate behavior
and inappropriate and illegal behavior and the
consequences involved
– Learn the basics of trial proceedings.
• As a member of your community, Teen
Court saves your city thousands of dollars
in labor costs and allows adults and teens
to work together, providing mentors for the
youth while allowing adults to see what
fine citizens teenagers can be.
5 Referring Agents In Nacogdoches
• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1
Judge Kerry Don Williamson
• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2
Judge Dorothy Tigner-Thompson
• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3
Judge LeAnn Goerner
• Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4
Judge David Perkins
• Municipal Court
Judge Juanita Springer
OFFENSE
CLASSIFICATION
MISDEMEANOR C Class 1
Littering
Includes, but not limited to:
Vandalism
Speeding (up to 9 miles over the limit)
Disorderly Conduct
License or Restriction Violations
Failure to Identify Self
No Seatbelt
MISDEMEANOR C Class 4
Running A Stop Sign
Includes, but not limited to:
Other minor traffic offenses
Speeding 31-40 miles over limit)
MISDEMEANOR C Class 2
Driving with Suspended License
Includes, but not limited to:
Illegal Fishing/Hunting
Speeding (10-20 miles over the limit)
Theft $50-$500
Unsafe Speed
Runway
Unsafe Lane Change
Truancy
Fail To Control Speed
MISDEMEANOR C Class 5
Fail To Yield Right of Way
Speeding 41-and up over limit)
No Driver's License
Public Intoxication
Expired Driver's License
Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Violate Driver's License Restrictions
Minor in Possession of Tobacco
No Proof of Insurance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Speeding in a School Zone
Minor in Possession of Tobacco
Petty Theft (under $50.)
Minor in Possession of Tobacco
MISDEMEANOR C Class 3
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Includes, but not limited to:
Assault
Speeding 21-30 miles over the limit)
Racing
Terrorist Threat
Criminal Mischief/Trespassing
LEVEL OF
OFFENSE
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Days to
Complete
Com. Service
JURY
DUTIES
COMMUNITY
SERVICE HRS
30 days
4-8
15-20 hrs
N/A
*250 word research paper or poster on
related subject
20-30 hrs
Star Program/DETCOG
(littering, petty theft, drug
paraphernalia & failure to
identify self)
* Apology to Victim
research paper or
poster on related subject
30-40 hrs
Alcohol offenses must attend
alcohol awareness course
Star Program/DETCOG (all)
*Apology to Victim
word research paper or
Poster on related subject
Star Program/DETCOG (all)
* Apology to Victim
research paper or
poster on related subject
Star Program/DETCOG (all)
*Apology to Victim
*600 word
research paper or poster on related
subject
45 days
60 days
60 days
90 days
8-12
12-16
12-16
12-20
40-50 hrs
45-65 hrs
OTHER MANDATORY
DISCIPLINE
OPTIONAL
DISCIPLINES
*300 word
450
*500 word
Teen Court Staff
• Teen Court Judge -Judge David Perkins
• Teen Court Training Attorney - Mrs. Beth Brice
• Teen Court Coordinator - Gae Mitchell
The Judge and attorney volunteer their time to Teen Court
Teen Court Rules and Dress
Code
• Girls – No shorts, No pants with holes/tears anywhere,
no T-shirts with obscene slogans and no midriff tops. No
short skirts and no flip flops.
• Boys – No shorts, No pants with holes/tears anywhere,
no T-shirts with obscene slogans. No caps. Shirts with
long tails are to be worn tucked in. No flip flops.
• No food, gum, drinks, or tobacco brought into the court
room.
• Beepers and cell phones must be on silent at all times in
the court room.
• Mr. Johnson has the FINAL say so on all clothing attire.
David Bain – Defense Attorney
IN THE TEEN COURT OF NACOGDOCHES COUNTY,
STATE OF TEXAS
Jury Summons
Cushing isd student
You are hereby notified to serve as juror for the Nacogdoches County Teen
Court:
Monday, February 7, 2011
Please arrive at the District Courtroom in the Nacogdoches County
Courthouse (Corner of South Street and West Main) by 6:15pm, so that
court may begin promptly at 6:30pm. If riding with Mr. Johnson, be at the
Cushing High School at 4:30PM. Two trials are scheduled for the evening;
therefore, we anticipate court will adjourn around 8:15-8:30pm. All trials are
open to the public, so parents and friends are welcome.
Also, you may bring a friend to sign-in as a juror with you, if they are in 7th
thru 12th grade and attending school in Nacogdoches County. 7th and 8th
grade students can only be jurors, bailiffs, or court clerks but, cannot be
attorneys.
It is recommended that you call the Teen Court phone line the day of
the trial for any changes that might have occurred.
(936) 569-8844
Please remember the Rules and Dress Code of the Courtroom!
Gae Mitchell, Coordinator
Shane Johnson, CISD-PD
Josh McClain being accused of leading the witness.
His response, “I AM NOT.”