El
Dorado County students in grades 8 to 12 are invited to take an active role in
the juvenile justice system through the Teen Court program. New Teen Court participant training will be
conducted on August 17, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in El Dorado County
Superior Court, located at 495 Main Street in Placerville. After completing
this training, teens will serve as court personnel for real cases in which a
minor has committed an offense, admitted to that offense and chosen to be
judged by his/her peers.
According to Stephanie Carlson, Teen Court Coordinator,
Teen Court provides a unique experience for local students. "Students
actually serve as jurors, attorneys, court clerks and bailiffs,” said Carlson. “Superior
Court Judges and senior attorneys preside over Teen Court. Community attorneys
donate their time to help students develop cases. Youth get a real understanding
of the juvenile justice system, and defendants receive a fair sentence from peers."
Youth must attend the training on August 17 to become
volunteers in Teen Court. Students should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. and
dress in courtroom attire. Pre-registration is not required. Teen Court
hearings will be held September 2016 through May 2017 on scheduled Wednesday
nights.
The Teen Court program began in El Dorado County in 1992
and is funded through the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Alcohol
and Drug Programs. Court cases are managed by the El Dorado County Probation
Department. The County Superior Court Judges, Sheriff's Office, local Bar
Association and local attorneys are important program partners.
“We currently have a need for additional attorneys to
help mentor students,” said Carlson. “Interested
attorneys are asked to please contact me.” For more information about Teen
Court in Placerville, contact Stephanie Carlson at (530) 621-6130. For
information about Teen Court in South Lake Tahoe, contact Jorge Orozco at (530)
573-7964.
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