Teen Court FAQs
What agencies does Teen Court accept JCCs from?
Any agency in the county, & we also accept transfers from out of county.
You are not allowed to arrest a juvenile.
MYTH
While arresting juveniles is something that all agencies work hard to avoid, it is not always realistic. Situation where arresting instead of issuing a citation is up to you and your supervisors discretion.
Can you write a Juvenile Civil Citation for a felony offense?
No. Felony offense are not appropriate for JCCs, but you do have the discretion to lower the offense in order to write one if appropriate.
Who decides the sanctions given to the defendant during the Teen Court hearing?
The Teen Jury
Teen Court sanctions are made up of...
Community Service
Classes
Counseling
Jury Duty
Jail Tour
Apology to Parent/guardian
How is a youth referred to Teen Court?
Juvenile Civil Citation
State Attorney's Office Referral
You must explain why a juvenile did not receive a JCC if they were eligible.
FACT
You must write in your narrative why a JCC was not written for an eligible youth. This is required by statute.
How many Juvenile Civil Citations can a defendant receive in Alachua County?
2
What time are Teen Court hearings?
1600-1900
20-50
Can I write a JCC for a youth that is 18 years old but still attends High School?
No.
The defendant must be 17 or younger at the time of offense.
If a youth is not eligible for a JCC, you may put a recommendation for diversion in your narrative.
FACT
Our SAO takes Deputy/Officer input very seriously on juvenile cases.
Where is the JCC form?
ACSO Directive 732 in DMS. To find the form in DMS, type in ACSO 99-04 - ACSO Juvenile Civil Citation
When are the Teen Court Hearings held?
Tuesdays.
What are the classes offered to a Teen Court defendant?
Substance
Anger Management
Theft Awareness
Can you write a JCC on a youth that has a previous criminal background?
No.
JCCs are for first (sometimes 2nd) time offenders.
Arresting a juvenile brings swifter punishment then writing a JCC.
MYTH.
JCCs are received within days and an intake within 24-48 hours. Sanctions are given and the program is completed within 3 months.
Does a JCC show up on a background check?
No.
Where are the Teen Court hearings held?
The Criminal Courthouse traditionally, currently virtual via zoom
How long does a defendant have to complete their sanctions?
60-90 days
What year did Teen Court start in Alachua county?
1994
A Sworn Complaint is not the same as an arrest on a juveniles background.
MYTH
Even when a deputy/officer does not physically arrest a defendant, a sworn complaint still gives the person a criminal record just like an arrest.
If referred from the SAO and the juvenile completes the program, does the charge disappear?
No, it does not.
If the defendant is successful the charges will be dropped, but the charge will still show up on background checks. Teen court does not do expungement.
How can a deputy/officer recommend sanctions?
By writing the recommendation on the citation or emailing me with your thoughts
We encourage this type of involvement!
If a juvenile does not complete Teen Court, does the deputy/officer have to follow up on the charges?
No.
When a juvenile is declined from Teen Court, it is sent to the SAO and they file charges.