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Learn about our legal system by becoming jury members and attorneys. Interested in being a member of a teen jury? Plano Teen Court hears actual Class C Misdemeanor cases on Monday nights! Please register by calling or emailing the Teen Court Office (972) 941-2009 or beckyru@plano.gov . Training and a six-month commitment is necessary. Court begins 5:30 PM and ends at approximately 7:45 PM! (Appropriate Attire Required. No shorts, or tank-tops, or halter tops will be allowed in. ) Teen Court is held on the third floor of the Raymond Robinson Justice Center, located at 900 E 15th Street. SESSIONS ARE: October 13, 2008 October 27, 2008 November 10, 2008 November 24, 2008 What is Teen Court? Teen Court is a volunteer program that allows juvenile Class C misdemeanor offenders to pay for their citation by completing community service hours. Defendants' cases are presented to a jury of their peers. Volunteer Teen attorneys will represent the defendant. Teen Jurors assign community service hours according to the Discipline Grid. Upon successful completion, the case is dismissed. Teen Court Eligibility Juveniles age 13 - 18 who are currently enrolled in an accredited secondary educational program may request Teen Court form the municipal judge for most Class C misdemeanors filed in the City of Plano Municipal Court. The defendant must enter a plea of: no contest, or guilty. A teen may enroll only once in a two year period. Parental consent and participation is required. If the Defendant chooses to plead not guilty, the case cannot be heard in Teen Court. If the Defendant chooses not to sign the Teen Court Agreement Form, the case will not be heard in Teen Court. Assortments of community service placements are available to Defendants. Defendants are responsible for setting up their own schedule with the agencies. Anytime a defendant has a problem with a placement, the defendant must inform the Teen Court Coordinator immediately. Any agency has the right to refuse to allow a teen to work at their agency. A defendant can serve his/her community service hours only at the places listed on the Plano Municipal Court Community Service Placement Sites list. Community service performed elsewhere will not be accepted. What Every Defendant Should Know! If a defendant chooses to leave the program or not complete his/her hours within 90 days of the Teen Court date, judgment will be imposed and the balance of the fine will be due. If the defendant does not pay the fine, the judge will suspend or deny his/her driver's license until the fine is paid, and/or issue an arrest warrant. Why should I go to Teen Court? Teen Court holds the teen accountable for their offense. Saves the teen or parent from paying the fine. Keeps offense off the juvenile's record. Gives the teen an opportunity for a positive learning experience. Increase teen awareness of current laws. Teen Court Volunteers Volunteering to work for Teen Court is an educational and rewarding opportunity for teens. Teen Court is usually held on a Monday evening. Volunteers should arrive no later than 5:30. Court begins at 6 PM. Jurors Teens that volunteer as Jurors must: Be between the ages of 13 and 18 Dress appropriately as described under "Courtroom Attire" Attorneys To be eligible to participate as an attorney, a teen must: Be between the ages of 15 and 18 Have served at least twice as a juror. Attend an attorney training session. Next Training session: Next Attorney training is to be announced. E-mail Becky for application at beckyru@plano.gov Work Site Rules Contact the agency, identify yourself as a Teen Court Defendant and schedule your hours. Take your Teen Court Time Sheet and have it signed by your supervisor. If any change in schedule is necessary due to illness or an emergency, you must call the agency to notify the staff. No friends are allowed to visit or call you while you are working at a site. Be on time; have a good attitude; and thank your supervisor. Abide by the agency's dress code. Community service not approved by the Court will not be accepted. All the agencies reserve the right to refuse a defendant that does not conform to the above requirements. All the agencies reserve the right not to allow a defendant to work for any reason. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN THE CASE BEING RETURNED TO      COURT. If you are interested, please email Becky Rubenstein at beckyru@plano.gov