 |
JAMES M. STAINTON
ATTORNEY AT LAW |
WISE COUNTY TEEN COURT
|
The State of Texas created Teen Courts in 1989 with the passage of Code of Criminal Procedure
article 45.052.
The Wise County Teen Court was formed in 2003 and our Board of Directions is made up of
local citizens, professionals, and attorneys.
|
| Q: What is Teen Court: |
| A: Teen Court is a mechanism by which teens who have received a Class C citation (speeding, small $$ theft, certain alcohol
offenses, and other citations) are able to pay their debt through community service. The State of Texas and teen defendants
are represented by student attorneys.
|
| Q: How does Teen Court work? |
| A: Teen defendants plead guilty to their offenses and appear at Teen Court. At court, local judges and attorneys serve as
judges and the jury is is made up of local teens. Once the state and defense present their evidence, generally through
the testimony of the teen defendant, the jury is tasked with assessing punishment in the form of community service and
other requirements.
|
| Wise County Teen Court provide students with the opportunity to actively participate in the judicial system as jurors,
bailiffs, clerks, and attorneys. |
Court Coordinator, Dollie Moravits and I started the Wise County Teen Court four years ago. Since that time, I have
trained our student attorneys on: |
| The kids that participate in Teen Court are the very best that Wise County has to offer. If you would like to see your
kids in action, Teen Court meets at 6p.m. the second Monday at the Wise County Courthouse and the fourth Tuesday
at the Bridgeport City Court building. Call Dollie for more information (940) 433-3288.
|