Georgetown Municipal Court

Teen Court

What is Teen Court?

Teen Court is a specially designed court that hears only certain Class C misdemeanor cases (excluding speeding 25+ miles over the posted limit, offenses in a work zone, fail to stop/passing a school bus, assault, drug, alcohol or tobacco without prosecutor and Judge approval). The individual cases are defended and prosecuted by teen attorneys and the verdict is rendered by a jury of teens. The Judge for Georgetown Municipal Court serves as the Teen Court Judge.

The City of Georgetown, in cooperation with Georgetown Independent School District and Williamson County, administers the Teen Court program. All Teen Court sessions are open to the public.

Why does Georgetown have a Teen Court?
Teen Court programs have proven to be effective in reducing the number of teen repeat offenders by making youth accountable for their actions and by providing them with a positive peer group. Teen Court also teaches teens about the judicial process through first hand experiences.
Who is eligible for Teen Court
Any person who meets the following criteria may be eligible:

  • must attend an accredited secondary school in a program leading toward a high school diploma AND be between the ages of 13 and 17 (some 18 year olds may be eligible)
  • has received a certain Class C misdemeanor citation (no speeding 25+ miles over the posted limit, offenses in a work zone, fail to stop/passing a school bus, assault, drug, alcohol, or tobacco case without prosecutor and Judge approval)
  • pleads guilty or nolo contendre (no contest)
  • has not been a defendant in teen court in the past year preceding the date that the alleged offense occured
  • must remain a student in an accredited secondary school while completing the teen court sentence
  • anyone who is on probation or whose case involves personal injury must obtain approval from the Judge having original jurisdiction

A parent or guardian MUST accompany the defendant to Teen Court.

How do I request my case be heard in Teen Court?
If your citation was issued by Georgetown PD, you are required to request teen court in open court.  Please contact us by phone at (512) 930-3625 to schedule a court date.
Is there a dress code for Teen Court?
Absolutely! Teen Court is a legal proceeding held in a regular courtroom.

ALL participants must observe the following:

  • No shorts, rompers, or cutoffs
  • No torn or dirty jeans
  • No hats or caps
  • No T-shirts
  • No tank tops
  • No spaghetti straps
  • No gum chewing
  • No sandals, shower shoes or flip flops
  • Shirts must be tucked in

Teen Court reserves the right to refuse participation for anyone who does not meet these guidelines. (Defendants’ cases may be referred back to a regular court.)

What are the Teen Court Penalties?
Penalties consist of Community Service Restitution (CSR) hours and required jury service. Offenses are categorized into five classes.

  • Class 1: 5-10 hours CSR + 1-2 jury terms. Includes individual seat belt, vehicle equipment, and parking,
  • Class 2: 10-20 hours CSR + 1-3 jury terms. Includes exp.driver’s license, traffic light, stop sign, fail to yield/signal, speeding 1-9 mph over the limit, and curfew & park access violations.
  • Class 3: 20-30 hours CSR + 2-3 jury terms. Includes speeding 10-24 mph over the limit, third party seat belt violations, speeding 1-24 mph over in a school zone, and driving without a license and following too close (non collision).
  • Class 4: 30-40 hours CSR + 2-4 jury terms. Includes public order, Criminal Mischief and FMFR. Violation involving collision.
  • Class 5: 40-50 CSR + 3-4 jury terms., Handicap parking and theft under $100.00.

VIOLATIONS EXCLUDED FROM THE TEEN COURT PROGRAM WITHOUT PROSECUTOR AND JUDGE APPROVAL ARE: SPEEDING 25+ MILES OVER THE POSTED LIMIT, OFFENSES IN A WORK ZONE, FAIL TO STOP/PASSING A SCHOOL BUS, ASSAULT, DRUG, ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO.

What is Community Service Restitution (CSR)?
In lieu of a fine, a Teen Court defendant must agree to perform Community Service Restitution (CSR) hours as determined by the jury. CSR hours must be performed for a governmental entity, non-profit organization, another organization approved by the Court that provides services to the general public that enhances the social welfare and general well-being of the community, or an educational institution. Hours performed at facilities that have not been pre-approved by the Court may not be accepted.  Immediately after their penalty has been determined, the defendant will be given a log sheet on which all CSR hours must be recorded that will include a list of pre-approved facilities.

In addition to CSR hours, juries assign mandatory jury terms. A complete night of jury duty is considered one jury term. All jurors must stay for the entire court session.

Defendants have 90 days in which to complete these hours and jury terms. The original log sheet must be returned to the court after all hours and jury terms are completed. Anyone failing to complete his or her obligation within the prescribed 90 days will be referred back to the originating court for sentencing. This may result in a conviction and payment of the original fine.

Successful completion of assigned CSR hours and Jury Terms will result in dismissal of the citation.

Who can I call if I have questions?
Tina Heine, Sr. Deputy Court Clerk/ JCM (512) 931-7712

Georgetown High School Coordinator (512) 943-5100 Ext 7000

East View High School Coordinator (512) 943-5000 Ext 8010

Georgetown Police Department (512) 930-3510 (non-emergency number)

Georgetown Municipal Court (512) 930-3625

When are Teen Court Sessions Held?
The following are Teen Court’s dates and corresponding CSR due dates. Most sessions are held on Monday nights.

Court Date                                                                                CSR Due Date

October 16, 2023 January 16, 2024
November 6, 2023 February 6, 2024
December 4, 2023 March 4, 2024
December 18, 2023 March 18, 2024
January 22, 2024 April 22, 2024
February 12, 2024 May 12, 2024
February 26, 2024 May 26, 2024
March 25, 2024 June 25, 2024
April 8, 2024 July 8, 2024
April 22, 2024 July 22, 2024
May 6, 2024 August 6, 2024

All Teen Court sessions are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council and Court Building, 510 W. Ninth St.  Defendants and teen attorneys should be in the courtroom by 5:00 p.m. and all jurors by 5:45 p.m.

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