Pearland Municipal Court will roll out a new alternative discipline program for teenage offenders beginning Sept. 15. Those who qualify will be able to have a hearing in Teen Court, where a jury of teens will deliberate on sentence terms.

Teenagers who have pled guilty or no contest to Class C misdemeanors will be provided the option to have a group of teen volunteers and previous offenders decide their punishment, Pearland officials said.

The teen jury will determine the violator’s amount of community service in addition to any additional terms, which could include taking driver safety, alcohol or drug classes or writing an apology letter.

Offenders must meet a list of requirements to qualify for Teen Court that includes not having a case dismissed by a teen court in the previous year, according to officials. Violators who complete their sentences in 90 days will have their cases dismissed.

The program will give teenagers a look at the judicial system and how it affects them in addition to providing valuable work experience, officials said.

The city is seeking adult and teen volunteers to assist with the program, which will be held the third Tuesday of each month at Pearland Municipal Court. Volunteers ages 11 to 18 may serve as jury members. Adults are needed to serve as jury monitors.

For more information email [email protected] or call 281-997-5901.