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1. What is Youth Peer Court?

Youth Peer Court is an alternative to the criminal justice system for youth who have committed a misdemeanor crime or offense.

2. Who is Eligible for Peer Court?

Peer Court is for youth, 12 through 17 years of age, who have appeared before the Silverton Municipal Court and entered a guilty plea. Under an adult judge's discretion, offenders will either be forwarded to Peer Court for sentencing or may remain in Juvenile Municipal Court for sentencing.

3. What is the Peer Court Process?

A youth, who has admitted guilt to an offense, will appear before a jury of their peers for sentencing. A parent or guardian must accompany the youth in court. The jury is then presented with evidence relevant to the case; they deliberate and present a verdict. The offender accepts or rejects the sentencing.

4. What are the Benefits of Peer Court?

Youth offenders receive positive, individualized support; youth are given a chance to explain their situation to other teens; and when the sentence is successfully completed and no other offenses are committed within one year of the disposition, the youth's criminal record can be expunged or destroyed. However, in the case of MIP Alcohol, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Reckless Burning, the youth is not eligble to apply for expunction until their eighteenth birthday.

5. What are the types of Cases & Consequences of Peer Court?

Youth Peer Court reviews offenses that are referred through municipal court. Typical cases that are heard in peer court include MIP Alcohol, Possession of Less Than an Ounce Marijuana, Shoplifting (Theft II & III), Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, MIP Tobacco, Curfew, Driving w/out a license and Reckless Burning. Sentencing may include some combination of the following: drug/alcohol assessment, monetary fee, community service, jury duty, prison tour, diversion workshop, essay, apology & more. The sanctions offer the youth an opportunity to "fix" the situation while learning how to make a positive behavioral choices for their future.

6. What is the Protocol for Peer Court?

The courtroom is a formal, serious place, commanding respect from all who participate in its proceedings. Therefore, there are some expectations concerning dress and behavior for youth involved: No Shorts, No Tank Tops, No Caps or Hats, No Inappropriate T-Shirts, No Ripped, Dirty or Saggy Pants. Confidentiality is very important to the integrity of the court and we ask that all the facts presented in court-remain in court.

7. What are the Peer Court Room Roles?

Youth Positions:
Bailiff: ensures smooth operation of court, administers oaths.
Case Presenter: reads the police report/citation during the case, listens to evidence-questions offender and parent-deliberates on sanctions.
Juror(s): listens to evidence-questions offender and parent(s) about the situation, agrees on appropriate sanctions in deliberation.
Exit Interviewer: reviews the sanctions with the offender and outlines their responsibilities for completion.
Interpreter: assists in understanding of all materials and proceedings.
Sanction Review Panel: listens to and reviews completed sanction materials and then accepts or rejects information, assigns extensions.

Adult Positions:
Judge: Presides over the hearing, explains the criminal charges, instructs the jury on what evidence and factors to consider in determining a sentence.