TEEN COURT – “Justice for Teens by Teens”
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney
Angela D. Alsobrooks
Teen court is a diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders that provides them with a second chance to avoid the juvenile justice system. These offenders are provided an opportunity to admit their guilt, and to perform various tasks as punishment for their crimes.
Teen Court requires teen volunteers between the ages of 11 and 17 to perform the roles of prosecutor and defense counsel, bailiff, clerk and jurors. Sentencing is determined solely by the teen juries. Teen volunteers are assisted by volunteer Assistant State’s Attorney’s who aid them in preparing the case.
In addition to providing offenders a second opportunity, Teen Court also acts as an effective deterrent. Between the months of December 2011 and March 2012, fourteen offenders went through the Teen Court program and twelve have not committed a subsequent offense. Teen Court is also a deterrent for the teen volunteers who have firsthand experience with the court system and witness the consequences that their actions may have.
Teen Court is held on the first and third Thursday of every month between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Prince George’s County Courthouse in Upper Marlboro in courtroom M1404.
Teen volunteers are needed in order to maintain the Teen Court program. If your child is interested in volunteering, please contact Seun Williams at 301-780-7744 or via email at sowilliams@co.pg.md.us.
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