About the Sarpy County Teen Court

Sarpy County Teen Court is a diversion program for first-time juvenile law violators. It is an option that allows juveniles to go through diversion instead of going to Juvenile or County Court. The Sarpy County Teen Court is administered by the County Attorney’s Juvenile Intake Program. Other Teen Courts are administered by Bar Associations, schools, Tribal councils, city prosecutors, probation, and diversion offices, etc.

Teen Court is available to juveniles who are cited for offenses such as shoplifting, criminal mischief, theft, and trespassing. Participation in Teen Court is on a voluntary basis for minors who admit responsibility for the offense and choose to go before their peers to receive the consequences of their actions. The juveniles who successfully complete Teen Court do not have a conviction on their record.

Teen Court is composed of volunteer teenagers from local middle schools and high schools. They serve as jurors, bailiffs, and attorneys. Each volunteer is asked for a one-year commitment, however, many volunteers stay for more than one year. Some of the benefits of being a volunteer are the ability to serve their community, improved knowledge of the legal system, a hands-on experience for those interested in careers in law, reference letters for jobs, clubs, and scholarships, and the opportunity to receive Teen Court Scholarships, if available.