The St. Mary’s County Teen Court Program is seeking adults 21 years of age or older, with spare time on their hands, a willingness to help the community, and a desire to encourage teenagers to make good decisions.
Teen Court is a juvenile justice diversion program, run by teens, where eligible teens appear before a jury of their peers who determine the appropriate penalties to be imposed for a criminal offense. Teen Court offers first-time misdemeanor offenders, aged 11-17, an important second chance to learn from their mistakes without the high cost and stigma of a formal criminal record.
Several adults are needed to assist with the on-going operation of the program. Sessions are held monthly on the second and fourth Mondays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the District Court building, located on the second floor of the Carter State Office Building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland. Adults can serve as Community Judge, Bailiff, Clerk, Jury Monitor, and/or training assistant. Legal experience is not necessary and training will be provided. A favorable background check is required.
For additional information, go to www.stmarysmd.com/teencourt or contact the Teen Court Coordinator at 301-475-4200 ext. 1852.
