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1. How does Teen Court work?

Teenagers who appear before the Municipal Court Judge may request Teen Court as an alternative if they are willing to plead guilty to their offense, and if they and their parents agree to abide by the Teen Court guidelines. Those who complete the punishment phase will have the offense removed from their record and will avoid the larger fines of the adult court system. Those who do not complete their punishment phase must return to the adult court system for assessment of punishment.

Punishment is usually a designated number of hours on work restitution, a term on Teen Court jury duty, counseling, essays, fines, and in some cases special educational courses. No jail time can be imposed.

There is a participation fee of $10 which must be paid at the time of registration for Teen Court. This fee is non-refundable.

2. How are cases referred to Teen Court?

At the time a youth under 18 years of age appears in Municipal Court for initial appearance or entry of plea, the offender and his or her parent or guardian must request sentencing by the Teen Court jury. The presiding Judge will then enter the offender's guilty plea of record, provided there are sufficient facts to support the plea. The case will then be assigned to the Teen Court. The offender must plead guilty to the offense with which he or she has been charged before the case will be transferred to Teen Court.

3. Who serves on the Teen Court jury?

The jury will be a group of teenagers who have volunteered for service or who are completing jury duty as a part of their sentence.

The teen jury is not allowed to discuss any aspect of a case with the defendants prior to the actual sentencing in Teen Court. Improper communication can result in the case being transferred back to adult court.

A jury foreperson leads the jury deliberations, ensures participation of all jurors, mediates disputes among jurors, calls for vote during deliberations, and delivers the verdict to the bailiff.

The jury foreperson is elected from the jury panel after the defendant has explained his or her case and when the jury retires to the jury room to deliberate.

4. Is there a dress code for Teen Court?

The courtroom is a formal and serious place, commanding respect from all who participate in the proceedings. The following rules are to be observed:

• No caps or hats
• No tank tops, midriffs, or halter tops
• No T-shirts or clothing with obscene or profane language or illustrations
• No torn clothing
• No shorts
• No sunglasses
• No gang related clothing

Teen Court also prohibits the use of gum or tobacco products, eating, drinking, or the use of obscene or profane language or signs. The impression a defendant makes on a jury is important. A good attitude and positive appearance will leave a positive impression.

Teen Court reserves the right to refuse to hear a case from those persons who fail to abide by the outlined dress code. Jurors are held to the same standards as defendants.

5. Who do I contact to volunteer for Teen Court?

Please call the Municipal Court office at (307)872-0550 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Teen Court is held on a weekday afternoon at 4:00 pm at the Green River City Hall, Green River, Wyoming, in the Municipal Court or City Council Chambers.
50 East 2nd North
Green River, WY 82935