Teen Court is a 90 day voluntary diversion program that offers juvenile offenders, ages 10 to 18, who are currently in school, an alternative to appearing in formal court. Teen Court is a sentencing court only.
Participation in Teen Court is based upon State's Attorney referral, admission of guilt and voluntary compliance. Prior to court, the teen and parents meet with the Teen Court Coordinator and discuss their possible participation in the Spink County Teen Court.
After this meeting, upon admission of guilt, and agreement by all parties to cooperate, the juvenile will appear at the next available Teen Court session. If the juvenile fails to appear at his/her scheduled time, participation will be terminated and the case will be referred back to the State's Attorney.
All members of the Teen Court with the exception of the Judge, who is a volunteer local attorney, are youth who have participated in training for their respective positions, or juveniles who are required to particpate on the jury as a result of their Teen Court sentence.