WHAT IS JUVENLE ARBITRATION?

Juvenile Arbitration is a program where juveniles who have committed certain relatively minor offenses can be dealt with in a speedy and informal manner without having to appear before a Judge in Juvenile Court. The Programs attempt to reduce the ever-increasing problems associated with juvenile crime by allowing the Courts to deal with crimes of a more serious nature.

Juvenile Arbitration is a program in which the juvenile defendant meets with an arbitrator in a one-on-one setting to discuss the crime, why it was committed, how it could have been avoided and learns techniques to avoid further law infractions. The arbitrator then assigns tasks which are designed to educate the defendant on how to avoid further criminal activity and to avoid recidivism. These sanctions may include but are not limited to: workbooks, apology letters, or Community Service.

WHAT IS TEEN COURT?

Teen Court differs from Juvenile Arbitration in that the cases are heard in a Courtroom by a Jury of their Peers. Teen Court Cases are presented by Teen Court members who assume the roles of Defense Attorney, Prosecution Attorney and Clerk of Courts. A practicing Attorney serves as Judge to insure all legal proceedings are valid and in accordance with legal procedures. One specific sanction of Teen Court is that all defendants must serve as part of the Jury to better understand the law and to understand that there are consequences and implications to their actions. Other sanctions may include but are not limited to: workbooks, apology letters, or Community Service.

HOW CAN A JUVENILE PARTICIPATE IN THE TEEN COURT OR JUVENILE ARBITRATION PROGRAM?

All juveniles sent to the Arbitration and Teen Court Programs must be referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice and approved by the State Attorney’s Office.

Juvenile Arbitration is available in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry/Glades County. Teen Court is available in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties. Teen Court is on Thursday evenings in Lee County, Wednesday evenings in Collier County, and Thursdays in Charlotte County. See schedules for exacts dates.

DOWNLOADS

LEE COUNTY

• Lee Teen Court Application Packet
• Lee 2022-2023 Teen Court Schedule

COLLIER COUNTY

• Collier Teen Court Volunteer Application - Release

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

• Charlotte County Juvenile Arbitration Program Mission Statement
• Charlotte County Juvenile Arbitration at a Glance

HENDRY COUNTY

• Juvenile Arbitration Program at a Glance
• Juvenile Arbitration Intake Agreement
• Juvenile Arbitrator Application Packet