SCHUYLER COUNTY YOUTH COURT

                  
Est. 1998

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 YOUTH COURT PROCESS

• Offense
• Apprehension
• Summons
• Youth Program Coordinator (YPC) Contact
• Disposition Hearing; Sentences
• Meeting w/ Youth Program Coordinator
• Work Sentence, Counseling
• 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. Youth Court does not handle felony charges.

EXAMPLES OF CASES HEARD IN YOUTH COURT

Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, Vandalism
Petit Larceny, Drug Charges, Disorderly Conduct/Behavior Problems, Harassment/Menacing
Motor Vehicle Charges (Unlicensed operation), Fighting, Drug/Alcohol cases, Suspensions
Minor weapons, Attendance concerns, Behavior Problems, 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 YOUTH 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.
• 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, Facts Attorneys and Law Guardians.

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!

Click here to download: The Youth Court Member Application (pdf)