LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Sheriff’s Office invites local youth ages 12 to 17 to participate in the Teen Court program, a peer-driven alternative to the traditional juvenile justice process. Volunteers can earn community service hours while gaining firsthand experience with the legal system.
Teen Court sessions are held only on Thursdays at the Charles County Circuit Courthouse in La Plata. Volunteers must be enrolled in school, meet the age requirements and commit to honoring the oath of confidentiality.
Participants must arrive between 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Sessions begin at 6 p.m., and end times vary.
Summer/Fall 2025 Teen Court Dates:
- June: 12, 26
- July: 10, 24
- August: 7, 21
- September: 4, 18
- October: 2, 16, 23
- November: 6, 20
- December: 4, 18
What Is Teen Court?
Teen Court is a juvenile justice diversion program that allows first-time, nonviolent youth offenders — typically ages 13 to 17 — to avoid formal charges and a permanent juvenile record. Instead, they appear before a jury of their peers and receive sanctions such as community service, written apologies or participation in future Teen Court sessions.
Since its founding in 2001, Teen Court has helped thousands of Charles County teens take accountability while offering peers a hands-on education in the legal process.
Real Cases, Real Impact
Teen Court hears cases involving real misdemeanor offenses, including theft, traffic violations, disorderly conduct and school-related altercations. The program uses a grand jury format with oversight from adult volunteer judges. Each trial includes opening statements, peer deliberations and an official sanction contract signed by the respondent and their parents.
Teens also gain exposure to civic responsibility and courtroom conduct, preparing many for future careers in law, government or public service.
More Than Courtrooms: Special Events & Empowerment Workshops
In addition to courtroom service, Teen Court hosts year-round enrichment events that support youth growth and well-being. One upcoming event is the Mother-Daughter Series: “Be Powerful” — scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office headquarters in La Plata.
Offered in partnership with Omm Works, this free session features:
- Yoga and meditation
- Breathing and movement techniques
- Confidence building and goal setting
- A safe, welcoming space for mothers and daughters to bond
For more information, contact Ms. Sarah Vaughan, Teen Court coordinator, at 301-609-3916 or vaughans@ccso.us.
Details are also available at www.ccso.us/community
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