Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders a voluntary alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system. First- time offenders who participate in this program have the opportunity to make restitution for their Class C misdemeanor offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service.

Under Article 45.052 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Section 54.032 of the Family Code, successful completion of the sentence given by the Teen Court jury within a 90 day period results in dismissal of the citation. Failure to complete the Teen Court sentence results in payment of the originally set fine and a conviction on the defendant’s record.

Duncanville Teen Court hopes to interrupt developing patterns of criminal behavior by promoting feelings of self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement and development of healthy attitudes toward authority. Responsibility and accountability for criminal actions are stressed.

Duncanville Teen Court tries Real Cases with Real Consequences. Participation and successful completion of this “hands on” educational option keeps the offense off the teen’s record and provides both the offenders and teen volunteers a better understanding of our system of justice.

Evidence from Duncanville and other cities indicates that young offenders do stay out of trouble following a Teen Court appearance in addition to the program saving hundreds of thousands of dollars of community expense.

There are two (2) avenues for teens to become involved with the Teen Court Program:

• Defendant, or
• Volunteer
  

ELIGIBILITY

Teenagers 10 through 17 years old, and/or who are currently enrolled in a middle or high school, who receive Class C citations in the City of Duncanville, are eligible to participate in the Teen Court Program.

Participation in Teen Court is possible after admission of guilt. Before enrolling, teens must appear with a parent or guardian before a Municipal Judge, or present proof of marriage and enter a plea of guilty or no contest. Participation in Teen Court is an alternative to paying the fine.

Participation is voluntary. At any time defendants may choose to pay the fine(s) established for their specific offense(s). Within a 2-year period only one citation, or multiple citations from one incident, may be referred to the Teen Court program from the Municipal Court or Justice Court.

Duncanville Teen Court meets two Wednesdays each month, typically the 2nd and 4th Wednesday, at the Duncanville City Hall located at 203 E. Wheatland Road, Duncanville, Texas. For more information you can email Teen Court Coordinator Sylvia Araiza or call 972-780-5063.