How it works
Lakeway's Teen Court Program will allow teens accused of certain Class C misdemeanors an alternative to the traditional court system, according to city documents.
After receiving a citation, the teen will be informed of their option to join the program with parent approval.
Juvenile offenders who opt into the program are tried by a jury of their peers—teen volunteers from grades 10-12—who determine a sentence involving community service or financial restitution.
If the sentence is satisfied by the defendant in a timely manner, the case is dismissed and no conviction is recorded, according to city documents.
Class C misdemeanor offenses include traffic tickets, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, and possession or use of alcohol.
The details
Under the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, cities are required to create youth diversion programs to reduce recidivism rates.
Lakeway's Associate Judge Kathleen Coble said teen court diversion programs have been piloted successfully in a number of Texas cities already, including Bee Cave.
"Research shows that teen defendants who complete the [teen] court program have a 10% chance of receiving another citation, compared to 45% for those that go through the traditional process," Coble said during a presentation to council on May 20.
Additionally, Coble said the program will provide a unique opportunity for local high school students to learn more about the judicial system and gain community service hours by volunteering for the jury panel.
Quote of note
"Already at the Bee Cave [teen] court, most of the kids volunteering are from Lake Travis High school," Coble said. "I would like to see us maybe reach out to some of the other high schools because I think there's going to be a lot of kids that are interested in this."
What's next
A resolution to establish the program was passed by council at the May 20 meeting, and Lakeway Communications Director Jarrod Wise said the program will launch before October.
Trials will take place at the Lakeway Municipal Court, Wise said.
For more information about the logistics of the teen court program, residents can access Coble's presentation here.
