True or False: Defendants under the age of 17 charged with a traffic offense may request to take a teen court program.

True or False: Defendants under the age of 17 charged with a traffic offense may request to take a teen court program.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if the offense is a felony
• D. Only with a judge's referral

Answer: (A)

Teen court offers a restorative, youth-focused option for eligible juveniles, including those under 17 charged with traffic offenses. A young defendant can request enrollment in the teen court program, and the court may approve if the youth meets eligibility and program availability. This option is not limited to felonies, and it does not hinge on a mandatory judge referral—the court weighs the request and decides whether to allow participation. If accepted, the teen court process typically involves a peer-based panel and sanctions such as traffic safety education, community service, or restitution, instead of the standard juvenile court penalties.

Teen court offers a restorative, youth-focused option for eligible juveniles, including those under 17 charged with traffic offenses. A young defendant can request enrollment in the teen court program, and the court may approve if the youth meets eligibility and program availability. This option is not limited to felonies, and it does not hinge on a mandatory judge referral—the court weighs the request and decides whether to allow participation. If accepted, the teen court process typically involves a peer-based panel and sanctions such as traffic safety education, community service, or restitution, instead of the standard juvenile court penalties.