Community Court oversees juvenile traffic and criminal violation cases.
Traffic Court: Eligible violations include speeding, driving without a license, using a cell phone while driving, and other violations related to vehicle use.
Teen Court: Eligible violations include
- Low-grade misdemeanor juvenile cases including curfew violations, vandalism, possession of alcohol, tobacco/tobacco paraphernalia, minor drugs offenses, trespassing, and shoplifting/petty theft.
- Severe misdemeanor juvenile cases and some minor felony criminal juvenile cases including burglary, brandishing a weapon, possession of fireworks, possession of marijuana on school grounds, public intoxication, grand theft, possession of deadly weapon, battery on school grounds, under the influence of controlled substance, and major vandalism.
How are Community Court and Teen Court different?
Community Court
Traffic citation cases are seen. Participants are sentenced by a judge. Who are the judges?
Teen Court
Misdemeanor cases are seen. Participants are sentenced by a panel of their peers from local high schools; however, the judge monitors the proceedings to ensure a reasonable and practical sentence.
How does the program help youth?
Both the Community Court and Teen Court Juvenile Diversion Programs hold the juvenile offender accountable for their actions and include an educational component which helps youth understand the impact of their choices and develop life skills. Youth are provided a “second chance” to head in a new direction with no juvenile conviction on their record if they successfully complete the program.
Both diversion programs are called “Courts” but are not official juvenile justice courts. (L.A. County’s official juvenile court is at Sylmar Juvenile Courthouse.) The City’s “courts” are youth diversion programs which operate using a court-like approach to provide a high level of accountability, structure and professionalism for all youth participants, their families, judges and staff. Judges are local volunteers with law degrees, years of civil justice experience and a heart for giving back to the community. The “bailiff” is a local Sheriff’s Deputy who is committed to helping youth. Court staff are City of Santa Clarita employees who are committed to providing opportunities for youth to grow, learn and lead productive lives.
How does the community benefit?
The community benefits by a reduction in recidivism (youth who go through the program are less likely to re-offend or drive recklessly), enhancement of public safety, and development of good citizens. The community is also enhanced by the beautification projects the youth complete as part of their community service such as graffiti and trash removal from local washes, bridges and pathways.
Community Court Diversion Program Wins Prestigious Helen Putnam Award! Read More Here
For more information about the court program, use the tabs on the left or call (661) 250-3728.
