Who Can Come?

Participation in Teen Court is based on an admission of guilt. Before enrolling, youth under the age of 18 must appear before the judge with their parent/ guardian, and enter a plea of guilty or "nolo contendere." Completing the sentencing handed down by the teen court peer-jurors is an alternative to paying the fine. More than one offense may be referred to Teen Court if they were committed simultaneously. Attending Teen Court is not a right, but a privilege, and the determination will be made by the sitting judge.

Defendants come from all over the county, we have defendants come from Cedar Creek, Elgin, Smithville, Red Rock, Dale, Paige, Flatonia, Del Valle, Bastrop, and occasionally from other counties, if they are ticketed in Bastrop.

We would also like to add that all teenagers are welcome to come and sit on the jury for experience or community service. But please note that volunteers are subject to all rules and regulations as the defendants.

What Happens After I Choose Teen Court?

You will receive a Defendant's Summons in the mail approximately a week before your court date.
You must arrive at the courtroom, with parent/ guardian, no later than 6:00 pm to sign-in and have a briefing.
You and your parent/ guardian will sign in at the desk and be seated in the courtroom until briefing time. Your defense attorney may want to talk to you if they have been unable to contact you prior to your trial.
After your case is heard and the verdict comes back from the jury, your sentence will be read, and you will proceed to the front desk where you will sign your community service agreement.
You are free to leave at this time.
Each month you will receive a jury service reminder in the mail. Should it not arrive, keep in mind that court is on the first Monday and Tuesday of the month.
When you have completed all community service hours, your assigned jury terms, the mandatory ethics class, and any other sentencing the jury awarded you and the coordinator can verify this, she will send a Completion Notice to the referring court. If you do not complete your sentencing within the 90 days, a Non-Completion Notice will be sent to the referring court and you will be re-called by that court where a fine up to $500.00 plus court costs may be assessed by the judge.
Remember: This is your opportunity to keep your record clean and avoid paying the fine assessed by the court. AND Remember it is a privilege for you to attend teen court, not your right.

Any questions about Teen Court should be directed to our executive director:
Cindy Allen, email teencourt@live.com or to Bastrop Municipal Court - (512) 321-4522
You can also visit 104 Grady Tuck Lane, Bastrop, TX 78602