Quick Look

Teen Court

  

The Humboldt County Teen Court Program has been running every school year since it began in 2000.  The program is designed to allow students that have committed a misdemeanor crime such as alcohol possession, marijuana possession, or a traffic violation, to he heard by a jury of their peers for their punishment. This court has been established for the benefit of our youth in Humboldt County and is coordinated and directed by Officer Dawson with assistance from Teacher Rene Hill.   

Here’s How It Works!

If a juvenile is found to be in violation of a law, he/she is ordered to court at the Humboldt County Juvenile Facility where they see the Court Master.  If the juvenile chooses Teen Court, he/she must plead to the offense and it is referred to Teen Court and a sentencing trial date is set.  In the meantime the teen prosecutors, defense attorneys, and jury are being selected and meetings are taking place with the defendant and the Teen Court Coordinator. 

Court is held in the evenings and the cases are heard by the Honorable District Judge Mike Montero.  Sentencing is decided by the jury and reviewed by the judge.  All of the follow up sentencing requirements stipulated by the jury are turned into Officer Dawson at Lowry High School.    

We feel that the impact that Teen Court has on students is much more positive and workable than other avenues that are available.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact Officer Dawson at 623-8130.