PRESS RELEASES - SEPTEMBER 2007

September 24, 2007

Teen Court Returns to Arlington Municipal Court
Volunteers needed to serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys and jurors

The Arlington Municipal Court has reinstated its Teen Court program after a four-year absence and is in the process of recruiting teen and adult volunteers.

Teen Court provides an alternative method of adjudicating minor juvenile offense like traffic violations or other minor offenses while allowing participants to appear in a court before a jury of their peers. Sentences include community service work hours, and offenses are dismissed once all terms are met.

“The mission of the Arlington Teen Court is to benefit young people and the community,” said Teen Court Coordinator Kristen Enriquez. “Teens get a chance to accept responsibility for their behavior without gaining a criminal or traffic record. Everyone involved becomes more knowledgeable of the justice system.”

Teen volunteers are needed to serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, jurors and court clerks. Adult volunteers are being recruited to assist the teen court coordinator by signing up teen defendants for the program, verifying defendants’ completion of the program, and occasionally overseeing court hearings.

Training for Teen Court duties and how the judicial system works will be provided.
If you are interested or need additional information, contact Kristen Enriquez at 817-459-6495 or e-mail Kristen.Enriquez@arlingtontx.gov.