About Otero County Teen Court
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TEEN Court is a program based on the philosophy that a youthful violator does not continue to be an offender when punishment is decided by a jury of his or her peers.  The same people that they socialize with,  go to class with and hang out with.

 Evidence shows that young people stay out of trouble and learn about the judicial system through participation.  By not re-offending, participants save communities hundreds of thousands of dollars in law enforcement, court, confinement and legal fees and costs.   

Teen Court gives a first time offender, who is referred by the Juvenile Probation Office a second chance and the opportunity to keep their records clean as well as educate them through participation in the legal system and how it works.   

Guilt or innocence is not decided by Teen Court.  Prior to acceptance into the program a youth, with a parent or guardian’s consent, must plead guilty.  The youth then goes before a TEEN JURY  with representation by a TEEN ATTORNEY.  The case is resented to the jury by a TEEN PROSECUTOR for the jury to determine sentencing.  

If the offender accepts the sentence, is supported by his or her parent or guardian, in accepting the sentence and successfully completes the sentence, then the case is closed and the offender’s record is cleared.  

All participants in the process are challenged to perform at the highest level of their ability.  The highest priority is placed on educating young people to recognize and accept their responsibilities as individuals, family members and citizens of the community.   

Teen Court Advisory Board Members
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JPPO - Carolyn Lee
DWI Supervision Program - H.R. Prather
Magistrate Court - Genevie Reyes
D.P.S. - Doyle Syling
Sheriffs - Bill McCamey
District Public Defender - Linda Burson
Municipal Court - Melanie Hornung
Misdemeanor Compliance - Linda Bird
Civilians - Marsha Slane; George Bowers
 

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