Mission Statement

The mission of the Matagorda County Teen Court is the deterrence of Juvenile crime along with the education of the Judicial System. Our volunteer supported system imparts swift justice with immediate consequences, punishment, and corrective act. This is done in a peer court setting whereupon the teens between the ages of 10-19 are given the opportunity to Defend, Prosecute, and Sentence the teen offenders.

Benefits of Teen Court

   Juvenile receives citation

   Parent of juvenile receives notice to appear at juvenile docket 

   Parents and or teen enter a plea of: no contest or guilty before the judge

   Then after juvenile enters a plea of guilty or no contest he or she may then request Teen Court or the Judge may refer him to Teen Court

   The teen then pays Teen Court fees $20.00

   Interviews with Teen Court Community Service Director 

   Receives notice of trial date 

   Goes to Teen Court Trial before a jury of his or her peers for the punishment of phase

   The teen receives:  Community service hours, jury participation's and computer class and other constructive sentencing such as letters of apology, essays, counseling.  If the offense is tobacco or alcohol related they are required to attend a mandatory class related to the offense.

   Completes the Teen Court sentencing in the recommended 90 days governed by article 45.54 Code of Criminal Procedures.

   Charges dismissed.

   Does not go on record.

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