The Waukesha County Teen Court program offers first-time offenders an opportunity to receive a meaningful sentence from a jury of their peers. The Teen Court experience provides youth with an alternative to appearing in municipal court and/or paying a fine. Youth who agree to attend Teen Court admit their guilt and they agree to allow a jury of teens to set a sentence. Teens who successfully complete their sentence will have the original charge dismissed from their record. Sentences typically include 20-50 hours of community service and mandatory participation in 3-5 future Teen Courts as a member of the jury and/or as an attorney. At times, other sentences include an apology letter, a written assignment (such as a 500-word essay outlining the risks of drugs or consequences of risky behaviors), or participation in Victim Impact programs.
Teen Court is operated as a program of Waukesha County Health & Human Services (HHS) in partnership with the Waukesha County Courts. Judge Horlacher has authorized the use of this program consistent with Wisconsin Statute 938.343 (2M). The program functions with volunteer support, to include HHS employees as volunteers, as well as attorneys who serve as judges.
Program Eligibility:
- Youth must be a resident of Waukesha County
- Youth must be 12-17 years old
- Youth must be remorseful and admit their guilt
- The program is for first time offenders
- Parent(s) or another adult caregiver must accompany the youth in court and be prepared to be make statements under oath
- Youth must complete the sentence and abide by the rules of Teen Court. Failure to do so will result in reinstatement of their original charge.
Watch Our YouTube Video:
To learn more about the Waukesha County Teen Court program, please watch our videos: 25 minute version, or, 4 minute version
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2023 Teen Court Schedule:
Teen Court is held in-person at Branch 1 of the Waukesha County Juvenile Center, 521 Riverview Ave, Waukesha. All sessions are held from 5:00-7:00pm.
October 12
October 26
November 9
November 30
December 14
2024 Teen Court Schedule:
January 4
January 18
February 1
February 15
March 7
March 21
April 11
April 25
May 9
May 23
June 13
July 11
August 15
September 12
September 26
October 12
October 24
November 7
November 21
December 12
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Teen Court Dress Code:
Appropriate attire by all youth participants is expected, demonstrating your respect for the process and the presiding Judge
- No mini shorts or mini skirts
- No exposed midriffs
- No low cut tops
- No low riding pants
- No exposed undergarments
- No ripped attire
- No t-shirts with inappropriate signs or language
- No pajamas or slippers
- No hats
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More Information:
Click here to view the Teen Court Brochure
The program facilitators are available to teens & parents via email or phone, Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Amy Aldrich
262-548-7387
Questions about paperwork and general questions
- Fred Garcia
262-548-7660
Questions about eligibility
- Dr. Ron Pupp
262-548-7226
Questions about eligibility
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Learn more about the Teen Court Advisory Council:
The advisory council is a group of teens that helps facilitate the Teen Court program. They sit on the jury and provide feedback to the Teen Court Coordinators on how to help the program run smoothly. The council also works on projects that help recruit, run, and facilitate the program. To apply, applicants complete a short application, provide three letters of reference, and participate in an interview. Click here for detailed information on the Teen Court Advisory Council.
