SCHUYLER COUNTY YOUTH COURT

WHAT IS YOUTH COURT?

Youth Court is a voluntary diversion program developed to prevent youth from becoming further involved in the juvenile justice

system.

This is a Court comprised entirely of Youth (7 th – 12 th grade). They are the Judges, Law Guardians, Facts Attorneys, Bailiffs

and Clerks who are overseen by the Youth Program Coordinator (YPC).

Youth that are accused of an infraction are brought here to be judged and sentenced by their peers.

THE ELEVEN BASIC STEPS

• Offense
• Apprehension
• Summons
• Youth Program Coordinator (YPC) Contact
• Arraignment
• Disposition Hearing; Sentences
• Meeting w/ Youth Program Coordinator
• Work Sentence, Counseling
• Work Report
• Review YPC
• Follow-up Youth Court Process

WHO CAN MAKE REFERRALS TO YOUTH COURT?

Law Enforcement

Probation

Court System

Schools

Family Members

Neighbors

Peers

WHO CAN BE REFERED TO YOUTH COURT?

Youths between the age of 7 and 15 years of age who have committed a Misdemeanor, Violation, or Infraction.

WE DO NOT HANDLE FELONIES

The following are some examples of offenses the Youth Court members would be capable of handing down a

decision on:

(Law Enforcement)

Assault

Reckless Endangerment

Hazing

Criminal Trespass

Trespass

Criminal Mischief

Graffiti

Petit Larceny

Drug Charges

Disorderly Conduct/Behavior Problems

Harassment/Menacing

Motor Vehicle Charges

(Unlicensed operation)

(School Related)

Disorderly Conduct

Fights

Drug/Alcohol cases

Suspensions

Criminal Justice Complaints

Minor weapons

Attendance concerns

(Family Related)

Behavior Problems

Fighting

Refusal to comply with house rules

Other cases will be accepted on a case by case basis. Circumstances will be considered and a decision will be

made at the time of referral.

WHAT HAPPENS IN COURT?

The accused is assigned a team (Law Guardians) to defend him/her.

The plea is now made of “guilty” or “not guilty”.

If a “not guilty” plea is made, the court is adjourned till a later date. This gives the Facts Team and Law Guardians time to go

out and investigate the situation and gather evidence to build their cases for court. This would include interviewing witnesses

and possibly, bringing them into the court to testify.

The “guilty” plea would mean the accused would receive their “sentence” same day at the end of the court hearing (in most

cases).

In both cases the Facts Attorneys and Law Guardians will present their cases. Judges will determine guilty or not guilty status

of the youth. In the case of the guilty plea the information from the case presented, helps the Judges to determine the severity

of the sentencing.

An attempt is made to make the sentence fit the crime.

Most offenders are given work hours that are performed under the direction of the Youth Court Coordinator. Some examples

of the sentences may include things such as:

• Restoring damaged property
• Community Service
• Attending a program
• Apology letters
• Essays (on what ever Judges determine based on the case)

RIGHTS AND ADVANTAGES OF YOUTH COURT

RIGHTS OF OFFENDERS

• Right to a proper youth court procedure.
• Right to a quick and uncomplicated youth court hearing. (witnesses will be called if needed)
• Right to a law guardian.
• Right to an unbiased youth court procedure.
• Right to appeal any findings of youth court judges.
• Must have at least one parent/guardian present.

ADVANTAGES OF YOUTH COURT

• Offender is not sent to Family Court.
• Offender is not labeled as a Juvenile Delinquent.
• Offender is judged by his/her peers.
• Offender has the opportunity to learn about the justice system.
• Offender has the opportunity to make restitution for his crimes through community service. (Special situations may
• require monetary restitution.)
• Offender does not have to pay for attorney fees.
  

WANT TO BECOME A YOUTH COURT MEMBER?

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A YOUTH COURT MEMBER

• Schuyler County Resident
• Enrolled in any grade 7-12 (includes home schooled)
• Successful completion of comprehensive training
• Mandatory Attendance and Participation in training activities
• Accuracy on take-home assignments
• Successful completion of bar exam
• Personal interview

WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS INVOLVED?

Each prospective member is required to complete a comprehensive training course. Local legal professionals will teach

training. Training is designed to give a basic understanding of the Penal Law, Probation, Family Court, the roles of judges,

attorneys, and law clerks.

An extensive part of the training also involves participation in simulated hearings and role playing of mock cases. The

training includes jurisdiction of Youth Court, advantages and disadvantages of Youth Court, the ethics of the court process,

and courtroom procedure. At the end of the training an exam and interview are conducted.

I AM INTERESTED BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MAY BE TOO HARD FOR ME.

If you want to make a difference in your community and are willing to make the commitment, we will make the commitment

to help you through the program and become part of the team

YOUth CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE