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Answers to FAQs
About Teen Court

If you don't see an answer to a question you have, please email or call Frank Ribich at 541-504-3485.

  1. Why would I want to be tried in Teen Court instead of regular court?

    The idea behind peer courts is to step in early when problem behavior occurs, to have the offender accept responsibility for behavior choices and to provide constructive consequences that promote more positive behavioral choices in the future. This procedure provides the first-time offender with a second chance and an opportunity to evaluate and, hopefully, revise future behavior, thus avoiding the criminal justice system.

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  2. What sort of sentence can I expect?

    The emphasis of a sentence from Teen Court is that it be constructive, helping offenders to appreciate the consequences of their behavior. Sentencing must have components that will increase a defendant's understanding of his/her actions, opportunities to repair harm, and increase skills, competencies and ties to the community. The mandatory guidelines for a Teen Court sentence include accountability (restitution, apologies to victims, alcohol/drug screening), community protection (respect parent's or city curfews) and skill building (counselling, essay, raise G.P.A., etc.). The sentences can include anything the jury thinks is appropriate for the case. In addition, all defendants are required to serve on future peer juries.

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  3. How do I get a referral?

    In general, Teen Court referrals come from law enforcement or the county juvenile department. If you believe your case may be appropriate for Teen Court but have not been offered the option, contact the juvenile department caseworker handling your case and ask if a referral is appropriate.

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  4. What is the criteria for having a case referred to Teen Court?

    To participate in the Teen Court the following requirements must be met:
    • The offender must accept responsibility for his/her behavior (i.e., they must admit their guilt before entering the program).
    • This must be a first offense.
    • The offender must agree to accept the Teen Court's judgement as a resolution.,

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  5. What if I'm not guilty?

    The primary criteria for participating in Teen Court is admission of guilt since a major part of this program revolves around accepting responsibility for your actions. If you believe that you are not guilty of the charge, an intake hearing will be scheduled with the Deschutes County Juvenile Department.

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  6. How are juries selected?

    Serving on a peer jury is a mandatory component of sentences delivered by peer juries, so some jurors are former defendants. The rest of the jurors, along with all of the officers of the Teen Court, are volunteers.

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  7. Since they're just my peers, what qualifications or training do the Attorneys, Judges and other Officers of the Court have?

    Training is an ongoing process. Each youth is mentored throughout the year by other, more experienced, Court Officers and the Program Director. Local Judges, Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys participate in annual training sessions. Court staff also attend the Oregon Youth Court Association's annual conference. Some youths also participate in the National Youth Court Conference.

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  8. Who is eligible to volunteer?

    Any student in high school or middle school can get involved. Through this program volunteers get actively involved in their community, gain enhanced communication skills, develop critical thinking skills and obtain an accurate knowledge of the Justice System.

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