Oneida County Teen Court

What is Teen Court?

Teen Court gives youth who are first-time offenders a second chance. It also provides an opportunity for teens to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteering as a Teen Court Panelist. Panelists work as a team to interview families and assign sanctions (consequences) utilizing Restorative Justice practices. Their goal is to educate, not punish, so offenders can move past their mistakes in a positive way.

Oneida County Teen Court offers eligible youth an alternative to the Juvenile Court system. It gives them an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, learn from mistakes, and make better decisions in the future. Research shows youth typically care a great deal about the opinions of peers, so oftentimes observations from the panelists have more of an impact than those of adults.

When juvenile offenders successfully complete their Teen Court sanctions, their case is dismissed. The deadline to complete sanctions varies from 1 to 6 weeks.

Join Teen Court

1. Click Join Here below to fill out an online application.

2. Download the PDF version and mail or email to Sharon Krause.

Upon receiving the application, an interview will be scheduled with Sharon Krause and current Teen Court panelists. This is an opportunity for applicants to gain some understanding of how offenders feel when questioned while giving current panelists valuable experience they can use in future work.

About Teen Court

Teen Court panelist tour courtroom with Judge.

Why Become A Teen Court Panel Member?

Receive hands-on learning opportunities and training on local government agencies, such as law enforcement, social services, and the court system.

Youth learn from their past and make better decisions in the future.

Receive quality training from a UW-Madison educator.

Gain new contacts for job references and eligibility to receive a letter of recommendation.

Meet other youth with similar interests to yours.

Develop leadership skills.

Learn about different backgrounds and cultures.

Teen Court panelist poses in front of courthouse.

Where is Teen Court?

Oneida County Teen Court cases are heard three ways: In person at the Courthouse in Rhinelander, in person on campus at Lakeland Union High School, or virtually over Zoom. The residency of the offender determines the venue.

When is Teen Court?

Cases are typically heard the 4th week of the month.

For Lakeland Union High School, cases are heard on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 11:45am.

The 4th Thursday of the month, cases are heard over Zoom starting at 7:00 pm or at the Courthouse in the County Board Room beginning at 8:00 am.

Eligibility to Become Panelist

Teen Court Panel Members must be in 9th – 12th grade and undergo training to be a panel member.

Applicants must be able to keep information confidential; be great listeners and team players; and capable of keeping up with homework when missing class.

Past respondents who successfully completed their sanctions 1.5 or more years ago are eligible to apply.

Become a Teen Court Panelist

Who is Eligible to Participate in Teen Court?

To be eligible to participate in Teen Court, a youth offender must be referred by the county department of social services, the county district attorney, the department of Natural Resources, or the Circuit or Municipal Court. In addition, the youth offender MUST meet EACH of the following requirements.

The youth offender must be between the ages of 10 and 16 (17-18 year old, 1st time alcohol offenders), be a first time offender and have committed a misdemeanor crime or ordinance violation such as: