Otero County Teen Court - What Happens?
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All cases coming before Teen Court are misdemeanors and typically include shoplifting, vandalism, disorderly conduct, battery and alcohol and drug possession or use. 

The defendant must be under the age of 18, not have a prior conviction ,been referred to the program by the Juvenile Probation Office or the Municipal Court, admit guilt prior to court proceeding and have the consent, support and presence of a parent or guardian at all interviews and court appearances. 

An offender and his/her parents or guardians are sent a letter notifying them that they are to appear for a screening.  During the screening, the Teen Court Program will be explained and the offender and their parent or guardian will have the opportunity to have all of their questions about the program answered.  At that point, the offender will meet with his/her teen attorney and the attorney will begin to develop the case for court. Traffic cases are referred directly from Municipal Court and given a date they must appear in Teen Court. Their cases are heard by a panel of 3 of their peers. 

During the court proceeding the defendant will be represented their Teen Attorney and the state’s case will be presented to the teen jury by a Teen Prosecutor.  The proceeding is presided over by an adult volunteer who serves as Judge.  The Judge’s responsibilities are limited to guiding the process and insuring that all parties understand the proceedings and sentence.  All decisions regarding punishment are determined by the participants, not the Judge.  However, should a discrepancy be noted in the proceedings the Judge may send the case back for further consideration by the Jury.  If it is determined during the proceedings that the offender does not accept guilt the offender will be removed from the program by the judge and will return to the regular juvenile justice system. If a defendant commits perjury (lies when under oath on the stand), he must come back through court and be sentenced for that offense. In traffic court, the panel questions the defendant directly and then is excused to discuss sentencing. The defendant is notified of their sentence upon the return of the panel to the court room.

The penalties that the jury or panel assess are according to guidelines that have been established by the program that include minimum and maximum sentences for community service and jury duty participation as well as prevention classes specific to their crime. 

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