BRANDON TOWNSHIP-At the Thursday, Jan. 23 meeting of the Brandon Youth Coalition, officials introduced new options in the way lower-level misdemeanor offenders are sentenced.
District Judge Dana Fortinberry, along with Tasha Hanson from the Oakland County prosecutor’s office, spoke to the coalition about bringing “teen court” to the community. So far, this idea has been introduced in 10 high schools and three middle schools in surrounding areas.
Teen court is an idea that was proposed to Fortinberry by the prosecutor’s office. The program enables students from Oakland County schools to act as prosecutors, court bailiffs and jurors in real cases. The students on teen court listen, evaluate and present alternative “sentences” that seem appropriate to Fortinberry, rather than the usual community service or fine.
The program is designed for students ages 11-16 who have committed first-time lower-level misdemeanors. Some examples include disorderly conduct, trespassing, third degree retail fraud less than $200, curfew violation and possession of marijuana or alcohol. Once selected, the defendant and guardians have the choice of letting teen court decide their sentence.
“The teen court members are relocated to serve out of their area so the defendants aren’t recognized by their peers. It’s a creative way to deal with kids who have made a one time mistake,” said Fortinberry, a newly-elected judge in the 52nd District-Second Division in Clarkston.
Coalition organizer Lynne Huff said, “The alternatives to sentences are often very unique and would make the teen not want to commit the crime again. We are trying to focus on ways that would actually make the teen think about why they shouldn’t commit crimes, instead of the easiest way out of the sentence.”
According to teen court coordinator Hanson, each school has their own set of students on the court. They select alternates each month so each chosen applicant receives an opportunity. To be selected, an application from the prosecutor’s office must be completed. A school official or an employee from the prosecutor’s office then conducts the interview.
If selected, the student must attend and complete a training session on courtroom proceedings and learn the logistics of the criminal justice system. The students examine sample cases and become acquainted with procedures and laws.
“The prosecutors are the ones who select the defendants who will be the participants,” Fortinberry said. “I give the judicial forum and oversee the sentence. The last case we had, the defendant stole some merchandise from a sporting goods store. Part of his sentence was to write an in-depth essay on how shoplifting affects the economy.”
The judge said there is about a 95 percent success rate in first time offenders not coming back a second time.
There is no set date when the program will begin in the Brandon area, but plans are being developed. Hanson explained the benefits of the program to the coalition, for students, parents and the community. The benefits to the economy include taxpayers not having to disburse as much out of their pockets.
“In order for the idea to be implemented in this area, an adult school liaison must be available for students to communicate to, and a possible student liaison,” said Hanson.
The school liaison is usually a teacher that volunteers. He or she must be there as a support system for students and for confidentiality.
“This program is now three years old and we expect its success and growth to continue in other counties,” said Fortinberry.