Teen Court provides a voluntary alternative to traditional adjudication and sentencing for teenagers in municipal courts. Texas teen courts are governed by Section 45.052 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Section 54.032 of the Texas Family Code. Where offered, young participants can plead no contest or guilty and have their case heard by peers. Typically, instead of paying a fine, the participant's penalty will be in the form of community service and future participation in Teen Court. Once the penalty is satisfied, the case is dismissed and the offense does not count as a conviction on the participant's record.
Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders the opportunity to make restitution for their offenses through community service, educational classes, and jury service. This allows them to avoid fines and sentences handed down by the criminal justice system for Class C offenses.
Organization name
Fort Worth Teen Court Inc
Causes
Justice-involved adults or youth
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address
1000 THROCKMORTON ST