Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust concentrates its criminal justice efforts in the area of juvenile justice by administering Miami-Dade County Teen Court, an intervention and prevention program for first-time misdemeanor offenders. It also operates the Criminal Justice Sensitivity Action Committee as a form of its advocacy efforts.
Miami-Dade County Teen Court (MDCTC)
As Miami-Dade County's only peer-sanctioning program, Miami-Dade County Teen Court is an alternative sanctioning program for first-time misdemeanor youthful offenders who agree to allow their peers instead of the juvenile justice system to determine their sentencing. Through their participation, the program helps decrease juvenile delinquency by interrupting the beginning stages of criminal behavior.
The program has provided youth, volunteers and participants, an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in a non-traditional judicial process. First-time juvenile misdemeanor offenders (participants) are afforded a sentencing hearing conducted by youth volunteers serving as attorneys, jurors, bailiffs, and clerks. Some offenses include petit theft, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. An adult volunteer, usually an active judge or lawyer, presides as judge over the hearing and a jury of the participant's peers determines appropriate sanctions.
Once the participants successfully complete program sanctions, they are given the opportunity to have their records expunged. This means that there will be no public record of the offense, thereby providing youth with a second chance.
The program is beneficial to Miami-Dade County. The program:
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Reduces recidivism
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Offers relief to the local juvenile justice system
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Develops a cadre of responsible and knowledgeable citizens
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Encourages collaborative partnerships between youth and the local police departments
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