
The Honorable Tom Clark helped train new Teen Court peer judges at their training on April 12, 2019 at the Buffalo County Courthouse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teen panelists conducted hearings virtually, modifying approach yet maintaining privacy for all youth and their families.
2020 teen court panelists were trained in restorative justice practices via Zoom and participated in a mock virtual hearing to prepare for their first cases.
Learn more about Buffalo / Pepin County Teen Court:
2021 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2020 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2019 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2018 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2017 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2016 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2015 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2014 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
2013 Buffalo-Pepin County Teen Court Annual Report
What is Teen Court?
Teen Court offers eligible youth an alternative to appearing in Juvenile Court. They have an opportunity to receive a meaningful consequence from a jury of their peers.
Why a Teen Court?
Teen Court offers eligible youth an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions. It provides positive peer pressure with community based consequences.
Who is eligible?
The Buffalo/Pepin County Teen Court will serve youth ages 10-16 years who commit first time violations of offenses such as:
- Disorderly Conduct
- No Valid Driver’s License
- Damage to Property/Vandalism
- Shoplifting/Retail Theft
- Trespassing
- DNR/Park Offenses, Littering, Curfew, or ATV violations
- Possession of Alcohol, Tobacco or Marijuana
- Truancy
- Unlawful Use of a Telephone
Referrals for Teen Court will come from the Court, Law Enforcement, Schools or Human Services.
How Does Teen Court Operate?
- The offender appears before a panel of three to five teen judge panelists.
- Panelists will be from a local school district, excluding the offender’s school.
- Panelists have received specialized training in court procedures.
- A parent or legal guardian is required to attend the session with the offender.
- Offender must admit the violation offense.
- Panelists discuss the offense with the offender to determine why the offense occurred and determine the most effective consequences.
- Panelists may question parents.
- Panelists decide the consequences which may include essays, community service, apology letter or other innovative sanctions.
- A coordinator monitors the offender’s performance of the sentencing guidelines.
- Offender pays a small fee towards the cost of Teen Court.
- All procedures are confidential.
- If offender successfully completes the work, the case is closed without the offender receiving a conviction record.
- If offender is unsuccessful in completing sentence the offender will be returned to the referring agency.
Who benefits from Teen Court?
- Youth are given an opportunity for a real second chance to prove that mistakes can be turned into positive choices. When juvenile offenders successfully complete their Teen Court sentence, they will have their case dismissed.
- The juvenile becomes responsible for his/her actions.
- Community service-learning projects will be more meaningful to the youth and their respective communities.
- The community is able to see teens being held accountable for their actions.
- Teen judge panelists gain a sense of responsibility and they encourage peers to stop behaviors that reflect all teens. They also have the opportunity to participate in the juvenile justice system and examine possible career opportunities.
- Adult volunteers are given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our youth.
Buffalo / Pepin Teen Court Public Service Announcement – Click on the Photo Below
Direct Referral Information for Buffalo & Pepin County School Districts and Law Enforcement Agencies:
Direct Referral Guidelines & Process
For additional information about Buffalo/Pepin County Teen Court please contact Teen Court Coordinators:
Annie Lisowski Marie Ritscher
Teen Court Co-Coordinator Teen Court Co-Coordinator
4-H Youth Development Educator 4-H Youth Development Educator
Extension Buffalo County Extension Pepin County
Buffalo County Courthouse Pepin County Governmental Center
407 S. 2nd St 740 7th Avenue W
PO Box 276 PO Box 39
Alma, WI 54610 Durand, WI 54736
Voice: 608-685-6256 Voice: 715-672-5214
annie.lisowski@wisc.edu marie.ritscher@wisc.edu
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