The City of Lufkin is proud to launch its second year of Teen Court, offering local high school students a hands-on introduction to the criminal justice system. Started last fall, the Teen Court program offers teens facing Class C misdemeanor charges, such as traffic tickets, an alternative path to justice. The Teen Court program allows these young individuals to have their cases heard by a jury of their peers, presented by teen volunteer attorneys, and overseen by a Teen Court bailiff.
The City invites Angelina County high school students (including homeschoolers) to apply for the 2024-’25 school year session. Applications are due by August 12, 2024, and accessible online at Teen Court Volunteer Application – Formstack.
City Attorney Kristi Skillern emphasized the program’s benefits, noting, “Teen Court volunteers handle every aspect of the case, from presenting evidence to questioning witnesses, including police officers. For juvenile defendants, this offers reduced court costs, accountability, and a dismissal of their citation upon sentence completion.”
Under the guidance of Skillern, Lufkin Municipal Court Administrator Lisa Ramos, and Juvenile Case Manager Nancy Zamarripa, Teen Court aims to educate and empower students while promoting civic responsibility.
The City invites Angelina County high school students (including homeschoolers) to apply for the 2024-’25 school year session. Applications are due by August 12, 2024, and accessible online at Teen Court Volunteer Application – Formstack.
Local attorneys are also encouraged to volunteer to mentor students as prosecuting or defense attorneys and foster legal skills development on docket nights.
Key Dates and Requirements
Monthly Teen Court sessions are scheduled:
- Sept. 23, 2024
- Oct. 21, 2024
- Nov. 18, 2024
- Tentative – Dec. 9, 2024
Participants must be enrolled in an Angelina County high school or homeschool, available for court dates, and committed to serving for the academic year. Training for selected students is on Aug. 23, 2024, at Lufkin Municipal Court from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will receive an excused absence from school for that day, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Supporting the Program
The salary of the juvenile case manager is grant-funded through DETCOG and has been renewed for the current year. However, the Teen Court program is supported solely through sponsorships and community donations. Community involvement and support are critical to the program’s ongoing success. Businesses and individuals interested in becoming program sponsors through monetary or in-kind donations are encouraged to contact Zamarripa at 936-633-0259 or by email at nzamarripa@cityoflufkin.com. Your support ensures the continuation and growth of this invaluable educational opportunity for our youth in Angelina County.
For more details, visit Teen Court (cityoflufkin.com). You can also follow City of Lufkin Teen Court on Facebook and Instagram.
