From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Mar 31, 2009

Summary:

Over the past several years, Lincoln County Jail inmates have been involved with the proceedings for Lincoln County Teen Court. Teen Court is the County’s diversion program for youth that have committed minor offenses for the first time. Offenses include: Possession of Tobacco, Alcohol, or Marijuana, Shoplifting, Trespass, Minor Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor. Youth admit guilt and go to Teen Court for a sentence by a Jury of their peers. The sentences include community service, a fine, terms on the Jury, and an assignment meaningful to the individual. When appropriate the Jury requires that the defendant interview an inmate about their personal experiences.

The inmates volunteer their time to talk one on one, to “sentenced” teens in an effort to provide these offenders with a candid, reality based view of the potential consequences of their actions. The inmates are selected by jail staff, and are chosen based on their life experiences as well as their dedication to better themselves.

These visits to the Lincoln County Jail have been an integral part of the Teen Court Program for many years. The ability to see face to face the ramifications of their decision making and choices have assisted many local teens in turning their lives around. Each teen writes a brief essay about their experience. “I learned that I make bad choices. I don’t want to go down a bad path. My rules at home are pretty simple and all I have to do is obey them. I’m going to try my best to change into a better person,” wrote a teen cited for Criminal Trespass.

A teen with the offense of Possession of Marijuana wrote: “I met a 21 year old meth and heroin addict. She said she had big plans for life until she met the wrong people and went from smoking pot to smoking meth to shooting heroin. She said she regrets the last 5 years of her life. I learned a lot today by listening to her story. She used these words, “stop, stop what you are doing! Stay on the right path because one slip and it can change your life forever.”

Another teen whose stepmother and father were in jail at the time of her interview told the incarcerated inmate, “don’t try to scare me, I already know.” The youth came away from the interview with a very personal affirmation of the knowledge she already had. She is now committed to refusing to go down the same path as her family.

One of the goals of Teen Court is to prevent youth from choosing to violate the law again. These inmates have made invaluable impressions on many. They have helped our youth make the choice to enjoy a successful life by avoiding the criminal system.

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