Youth Attorneys :
Seniors:
Ciera Hinojos Brenden Strickland
Juniors:
Michael Cantu Edwin Availa
Sophomores:
Jordyn Gibson
Freshmen:
Yaizeth Mares Karina Andrade
Betzaida Chavez
8th Graders:
GabrielGranillo Annalia Sanchez
Ayden Lusk Melanie Velasco Delanie Velasco
7th Graders:
Anahi Lopez Britt Lusk
6th Graders:
Zhoi Mendoza
Members of The NMTCA Youth Council:
Youth Advisor, Ciera Hinojos
Volunteer Youth Attorneys
Our volunteer youth attorneys range from 6th grade - 12th grade.
Teens helping Teens
Experience Something Positive
Teen Court is an innovative concept that introduces High School and Middle School Sudents and young offenders to a real-life courtroom environment with the primary
players being the teens themselves; in roles of prosecuting attornyes and defense attorneys and jurors. Local Attorney's, District Attorney's, Public Defenders preside over the cases voluntarily and Law Enforcement serve as bailiff's. It is not the responsibility of Teen Court to determine innocence or guilt, but rather to hold offenders accountable for their actions by imposing sentences of community service hours, jury duty and tutoring. To ensure fair sentences, the jury utilizes a sentencing grid that specifies consequences of gradual severity corresponding to the offense. Admission of guilt is a prerequisite to participation in the program.
Teen Court participation is strictly voluntarily, but once entered the process they must successfully complete their sentence or their case is returned to the referring agency for further disposition. A mandatory sentencing directive is to serve on a Teen Court jury. When given the supportive opportunities for success and "hands-on" experience of how our judicial system works, a teenager's chances for steering clear of violating the law are significanlty improved.
