In Florida, juveniles facing misdemeanor or non-violent crimes, such as drug offenses, may have the opportunity to go through Teen Court. This program allows offenders to have their records wiped clean by facing a jury of their adolescent peers.
“Teen Court is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets,” says Stephen Willis, Juvenile Delinquency Court Manager for Polk County’s Teen Court. It provides a faster, non-judicial resolution compared to conventional courts. Volunteers, including attorneys and bailiffs, help run the court and judges who must hold law degrees.
Teen Court is especially beneficial for young offenders under 18 charged with marijuana possession or other drug offenses. Mr. Willis, who has 28 years in court administration, also serves as the board president of the Florida Association of Teen Courts.
Sentences may include community service, drug testing, counseling, writing letters of apology, restitution and jury duty to expunge records. “In Polk County, we take just about all drug-related offenses,” says Mr. Willis, especially those involving marijuana-THC vape pens, which are felony charges in Florida.
Teen Court addresses underlying issues, like self-medication, that often lead to drug use. Mr. Willis believes sports and extracurricular activities help deter drug use and encourages parents to check their children’s spaces for hidden drugs, even if it is uncomfortable.
Drug cases involving minors go directly to Mr. Willis’ desk who focuses on preventing reoffending with resources like counseling, mentorships and free residential treatment. “We tracked youthful offenders for two years, and after two years, we have seen that 99% are not convicted of a second offense,” he said.
Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIJan2025 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Stephen Willis discussing “Teen Court.”
