Teen Court Offenses in South Dakota

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Why This Indicator Matters

Teen Court is a diversion program offered mainly to first time offenders ages 10-18, who are currently enrolled in an accredited school curriculum. Members of the Teen Court (e.g. attorneys, jury, bailiff and clerks) are student volunteers and returning defendants. They work to create a legal and binding sentence for the defendant based on the following principles of Restorative Justice:

  1. What harm has been done?
  2. Who has been harmed?
  3. What can be done to repair the harm?
Teen Court is a "sentencing" court and therefore does not establish guilt or innocence. The young offender must plead guilty in order to be referred to Teen Court by the State's Attorney. Upon successful completion of the sentence a letter is sent to the State's Attorney recommending dismissal of the case.

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Teen Court Offenses

Data Provided By

Definitions: List of charges referred to the teen court programs across South Dakota by offense

Data Source: South Dakota Teen Court Association

Footnotes: UPDATED - February 2019