25 Market St   Aberdeen, SD 57401

Office Hours 8:00-5:00 M-F

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Teen Court


Diane Lehr - Director
  • Mailing Address:
    BROWN COUNTY Teen Court
    25 Market St.
    ABERDEEN SD 57401

     
  • Phone: (605) 626-7128
  • Fax: (605) 626-7132

 

Brown County Teen Court is a 90 day voluntary diversion program that offers first time juvenile offenders ages 10 to 17 an alternative to appearing in formal court.  Teen court is a sentencing court only. Participation in Teen Court is based upon referral by the Brown County State’s Attorney, admission of guilt and agreement with each of the requirements to participate. 

If the juvenile offender and their parents agree to participation in Teen Court, they will meet with the Teen Court Coordinator for an intake meeting.  If the juvenile is determined to be eligible a hearing will be scheduled.  If they do not agree to participate, or if the juvenile is determined to be ineligible for participation in Teen Court, they will be referred back to the State’s Attorney for formal Juvenile Court adjudication.

All members of Brown County Teen Court are volunteers.  The Judge is one of many local attorneys who volunteer their time to assist.   The Teen Court Attorneys, Clerks, Bailiffs, and Jurors are teen volunteers that have participated in on-going training for their respective positions.  The Jury also includes teens that are required to participate on the jury as a result of their Teen Court sentence. There is one paid-part time staff.  If you would like to volunteer at teen court, fill out a teen court volunteer application.