Administrative Office Of The Courts
20th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Carol Fritsch
Teen Court Coordinator
Phone: (239) 252-2756

COLLIER COUNTY TEEN COURT

Teen Court is a diversion program. Qualified first time juvenile offenders, who have admitted guilt, with crimes ranging from misdemeanor up to 3rd degree felony can have their cases "heard" in Teen Court. High school students who are mature and responsible and have agreed to respect confidentiality can volunteer to serve in the roles of attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and jurors.

Teen Court is based on the philosophy that a juvenile offender is less likely to continue to be an offender when a jury of their peers decides the punishment.

The juvenile offender has his/her case heard in front of a jury of his/her peers (composed of high school volunteers) and accepts whatever sanctions the jury imposes. If the juvenile offender successfully completes the given sanctions then the case is "nolle prossed" which means the case was not filed on and the case is dismissed.

Teen Court benefits both the juvenile offender and the high school volunteers.

The juvenile offender: is given a second chance; can save his conviction record; learns to assume responsibility for their actions; and interrupts developing patterns of criminal behavior.

The high school volunteer: can earn community service hours for schools and scholarships; will learn skills in public speaking and problem solving; builds self- confidence; and gains "hand-on" knowledge of the juvenile and criminal justice system.

Collier County Teen Court follows the Collier County Public School Calendar, therefore, our sessions are from September through May. Collier County Teen Court meets on Wednesday evenings - 4:30 p.m for attorneys, 5:30p.m. for all other court personnel. For further information, please contact: Carol Fritsch, Teen Court Coordinator at 239-252-2756 or email her at cfritsch@ca.cjis20.org.

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