Office of the Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac MI OAKLAND COUNTY TEEN COURT A program of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office 1200 N. Telegraph Pontiac MI

The Teen Court Philosophy The concept of "TEEN COURT", is a juvenile alternative in the justice system. It has been implemented in many cities and states throughout the Country. This program has a proven success rate. Also called Student, Youth and Peer Court. TEEN COURT is the cooperation of the courts, schools, students, police, sheriff departments, prosecutors and the community as a whole in order to be successful.

Referrals to Teen Court Juvenile Warrant Prosecutors Police & Sheriff Departments School Liaison Officers The Coordinator Wendy Sims receives cases from these sources

The Juvenile Defendant’s eligibility for Teen Court Voluntary participation – their parent’s consent First offense – can’t have a prior criminal record Must be under age 17 (date of crime committed) Misdemeanor cases only - no felony cases Defendant must admit responsibility for crime Defendant must complete sentence imposed by jury If a defendant fails to complete their sentencing requirements, given by the student jury, the defendant will then be sent to Oakland County Juvenile Court with a formal charge…

Crimes Eligible MIP Alcohol Possession of Marijuana MDOP Retail fraud III &II Disorderly conduct Malicious use of Tele-communication device Illegal entry Trespassing Internet related crimes Curfew violations BB-gun offenses Embezzlement Larceny Filing a False police report Possessing stolen merchandise Local Ordinance violations Not limited to the above Can include multiple offenses

The Honorable Nancy Carniak Judge Carniak was appointed by the Governor to the bench of the 52/3 District Court in January of 2000. She was subsequently elected by the community in November of 2000

Courtroom Etiquette Dress appropriately No camera cell phones allowed No gum chewing allowed in courtroom Remain quiet while Court is in recess Address the Judge as “Your Honor” Speak loud and clear Stand when addressing the Court Remember to always thank the Judge

If school closes for any reason and there is a Teen Court session scheduled for that day, it is automatically canceled.

Confidentiality Oath JUDGE: Please be seated.  The business of this court is very serious. The defendants who appear before you today are responsible for the charges that have been made against them. They have violated a law of the state of Michigan, and have voluntarily chosen to come before this court to have a jury of their peers decide what sentence, if any, they should receive for their actions. Even though the defendants have violated the law, they deserve your respect and attention. Therefore, everyone in the courtroom must remain quiet during the proceedings and give their complete attention to what happens here. I want to emphasize that everything that occurs in this courtroom is to remain confidential; that particularly includes the names of the defendants. Therefore, everyone in the courtroom please rise, raise your right hand and take the following oath: (JUDGE gives OATH)  “ Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will not divulge either by words or signs, any information which comes to your knowledge in the course of a TEEN COURT session and that you will keep confidential all said proceedings which may be held in your presence”. If so, say ‘I DO’. Remember also that it is not our right to humiliate or make fun of the defendants. We are simply here to do what is right and fair to the defendants, the victims, and the community. 5850 Lorac, Clarkston 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Student Volunteers A student can serve as: Prosecutor Defense Attorney Bailiff/Clerk Juror (goal is a six jury persons) *Jury Foreperson (the jury picks the person) 5850 Lorac, Clarkston 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Defense Attorney Represents the juvenile defendant Receives case prior to Court date Prepares their questions beforehand Mentor assists the attorney Meet with juvenile defendant & parent(s) Focus on sanctions defendant has already received Good kid – did a bad thing or poor decision strategy Presents a closing statement to the jury along with sentencing recommendations 5850 Lorac, Clarkston 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Prosecuting Attorney Represent the law Receives case prior to court date Prepares their questions beforehand Stress seriousness of the offense Prepares with a mentor before Court begins Presents a closing statement to the jury along with sentencing recommendations 5850 Lorac, Clarkston 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Bailiff/Court Clerk Announces Teen Court hearing begins Swears in the jury and defendant Manages student check-in sheet & jury form Directs jury to deliberation room/jury box Assists the Judge in Court

Juror Asks defendant direct questions following Teen Court Attorneys about the case (except where they live, name of school) Selects Jury Foreperson Deliberates with fellow Jurors to reach an unanimous constructive and positive sentence for the Teen Defendants Explanatory statement

Jury has many Sentencing Options Warn & Dismiss Community Service Jury Duty (Teen Court) Oral Apology (Required) Written Apology Written Essay Counseling Tutoring Home Curfew Extra Chores at Home Creative Sentence’s VOP in 48th DC with Judge Barron MADD victim impact panel Restrictions to Continue 5850 Lorac, Clarkston 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The Benefits of Teen Court For Defendants Hold youth accountable for their actions and serves as a deterrent to commit future criminal acts Educate youth on the impact of their actions For Volunteers NHS/Community Service credit Provide a meaningful forum for youth to practice and enhance public speaking skills Gives those interested a hands-on experience in the field of law

Contact information Wendy Sims Teen Court Coordinator & Paralegal PROSECUTORS OFFICE Juvenile Unit 1200 N TELEGRAPH RD PONTIAC MI 48341-0461 phone: (248) 452-9102 email:  SimsW@oakgov.com