May 11, 2010
Teen Court Advanced by Public Safety Committee
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – The Public Safety Committee voted to recommend a first offender “Teen Court” model to Huntington City Council, Monday, May 11.
Tim White, director of the Weed and Seed Program, told the committee that the project had gathered “strong community” support from local leaders and law enforcement. Family Court Judge Patricia Keller will be the liaison with the Circuit Court.
Currently there are five teen courts in the Mountain State.
White explained that examples of first time offenders who may be referred to the court are truants, tobacco use at school, open container, curfew violation, or graffiti. Once referred to the Teen Court by juvenile probation, the teen jury would determine the sanction(s) for the accused. If the work is completed and the teen has no other offenses, then, the offense will be wiped clean on their juvenile record.
They must also complete two sessions serving on the teen court jury.
Funds for the court operation will come by imposing a $5 fee on citations, which is the maximum allowed by law. White indicated that the other courts add a $25 processing fee. He seemed encouraged that once established “many private levels of sponsorship,” such as attorneys’ offices will be forthcoming with monetary and other support.
The option will be available to Barboursville and Milton, but they must add the $5.00 to their citations and contribute the money to the teen court. If they choose not to participate, then, only teens from the Huntington City Limits and those referred by HPD officers from Huntington schools will be candidates for the teen court program.
Councilman Nate Randolph inquired if any additional subsidy or whether the $5 fee could increase.
“We would certainly not be back asking for more,” stated White.
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Teen Court Advanced by Public Safety Committee
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – The Public Safety Committee voted to recommend a first offender “Teen Court” model to Huntington City Council, Monday, May 11.
Tim White, director of the Weed and Seed Program, told the committee that the project had gathered “strong community” support from local leaders and law enforcement. Family Court Judge Patricia Keller will be the liaison with the Circuit Court.
Currently there are five teen courts in the Mountain State.
White explained that examples of first time offenders who may be referred to the court are truants, tobacco use at school, open container, curfew violation, or graffiti. Once referred to the Teen Court by juvenile probation, the teen jury would determine the sanction(s) for the accused. If the work is completed and the teen has no other offenses, then, the offense will be wiped clean on their juvenile record.
They must also complete two sessions serving on the teen court jury.
Funds for the court operation will come by imposing a $5 fee on citations, which is the maximum allowed by law. White indicated that the other courts add a $25 processing fee. He seemed encouraged that once established “many private levels of sponsorship,” such as attorneys’ offices will be forthcoming with monetary and other support.
The option will be available to Barboursville and Milton, but they must add the $5.00 to their citations and contribute the money to the teen court. If they choose not to participate, then, only teens from the Huntington City Limits and those referred by HPD officers from Huntington schools will be candidates for the teen court program.
Councilman Nate Randolph inquired if any additional subsidy or whether the $5 fee could increase.
“We would certainly not be back asking for more,” stated White.
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