1. 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

2. 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.

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

4. 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…

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. Contact information
Wendy Sims Teen Court Coordinator & Paralegal
PROSECUTORS OFFICE Juvenile Unit
1200 N TELEGRAPH RD PONTIAC MI
phone: (248)