Municipal Court

Volunteer Opportunity

Teen Court is a legally binding alternative system of justice that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for their Class C misdemeanor offenses.

Please review the criteria below, and when you’re ready to make this commitment, please continue with the application process.

(Please note: All pending applicants will be contacted. There is no need to re-apply.)

Applications & Opportunities

Adults

Teens

Opportunities - Current Volunteers

For Volunteers

Teen volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. You must demonstrate an ability to treat each case individually, with objectivity and without prejudice. You must have an ability to communicate with your peers and work in a group setting, and be able to maintain confidentiality of all cases.

Training

Prospective attorneys must attend an initial all-day training session. Training sessions are held twice a year, once in the Spring and Fall. Training is conducted by Teen Court staff members who will teach you the steps to becoming a Teen Court attorney. You will then serve as an assistant attorney for several months before advancing to associate attorney. After serving as an associate for one 4-month term, you will be eligible to apply to become a lead attorney. Volunteers do not have to be Irving residents.

Prospective bailiffs, clerks and jurors will attend a shorter training session.

Attorneys

You will attend court sessions as scheduled, follow the guidelines in your manual, maintain confidentiality, treat all participants with respect, represent your client (defense attorneys) or the State of Texas (prosecutors) to the best of your ability, attend all trainings, and follow the court rules. You will also dress professionally. Girls are expected to wear a dress, skirt/blouse, or pantsuit. Boys must wear a dress shirt and tie (coat is optional). No jeans are allowed.

Jurors

You will participate as a member of a six-person teen jury. You will listen objectively to the court hearing about the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense. You will then assign consequences designed to hold the defendant responsible for his or her actions. Jurors who are licensed drivers may also sit on our Master Jury, which hears traffic, curfew and abusive language cases.

Time Required

A minimum of one Tuesday night per month from 5:30 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. (although you may certainly come more often).

Length of Commitment

Four months. We schedule by four-month terms. At the end of the term, you will be given the opportunity to commit to another term.

Special Requirements

You must be dependable. If you miss two of your scheduled court sessions without giving us advance notice, you will be removed from the Teen Court program. You must also be flexible. There are always last-minute changes on court nights, and we expect you to be willing to serve where you are needed.

Adult Volunteers

Adults can apply to help with:

Checking-in of jurors
Handling checkout of defendants
Local attorneys are welcome to apply to volunteer as Teen Court judges
Making jury assignments
Overseeing the courtrooms

For more information, email JuvenileServices@IrvingTX.gov or call (972) 721-3601.