Hernando County Youth Court

• Youth Application
• Adult Application
• Youth Court Brochure

The purpose of Youth Court is to interrupt the developing pattern of criminal behavior in juveniles by promoting self-esteem, motivation for self-improvement and forming a healthy attitude toward authority. The offenders assume responsibility for their behavior and accept the consequences of their actions through community service work, serving on the Youth Court jury and any punishment sanctioned by a Youth Court jury of their peers.

Additionally, Youth Court provides a valuable learning opportunity for our youth in Hernando County. The students who serve as volunteer attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors are given a unique insight into the legal system and the inner workings of a courtroom. Participation in Youth Court helps our youth develop self-esteem while exposing them to future career options in the legal and law enforcement fields.

Youth Court also provides volunteers with community service hours which can be applied to meet scholarship requirements.

Youth Court is a diversion program run by youth, for youth. Juvenile offenders must be between the ages of 10 and 17, who have committed a misdemeanor crime are sentenced by a jury of their peers.

The juvenile offender comes before Youth Court having acknowledged guilt. The offender and their parent/guardian meet with the Youth Court Coordinator for a pretrial interview to go over the rules and guidelines of the program. Once the juvenile has been accepted into the program, the defendant and the parent/guardian will sign a “Waiver of Speedy Trial”. The defendant and their parent/guardian must agree to the sanctions given by the jury of their peers and sign the Youth Court contract.

Sanctions imposed by the youth court jury may include community service hours, jury duty, and essays. Additional sanctions may also include restitution, apology, anger management class, substance abuse class, no association with codefendants, and random drug/alcohol screenings.

The charges are not filed by the State Attorney’s Office following a successful completion of the program.

Should the juvenile decline Youth Court, fail to complete their sanctions or violate the requirements of their Youth Court contract, his or her case is then referred to the Office of the State Attorney for prosecution.

Youth Court is held most Monday evenings at 5pm on Zoom. We do offer in-person Youth Court monthly.

What are the requirements for Youth Court Volunteers?

Youth Court volunteers must meet the following criteria:

• Must be between the ages of 10 and 17
• Must abide by the rules and dress code of the program
• Must obey and respect the “Oath of Confidentiality”
• Must demonstrate maturity and sensitivity

Student volunteers interested in serving as jurors, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs and clerks are always welcome.

Jr. Attorney classes are scheduled periodically throughout the year.