Qualifications for Case Submission

* First time offenders; low level traffic offence.

* Between the ages of 14-17 (or 18 if still in high school) 

* I may not have been in violation of the speed limit by more than twenty (20) miles per hour.

* May not have been traveling faster than seventy-nine (79) miles per hour.

* I may not have been speeding in a school zone or violating a school bus restriction or speeding in a posted construction zone.

* Driving on a suspended or revoked license.

* Driving without liability insurance.

* Have been involved in a violation which resulted in bodily injury or damage to the property of another.

Requirements to Participate as a Defendant

* Ages 14-17 (18 if still in school)

* Complete all processes and paperwork minimum of one week before Youth Court hearing date will be scheduled.

* Approval from Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office or Topeka Municipal Court/Topeka City Attorney’s Office.

* Must admit guilt of all charges.

* Willingly participate in all processes of Youth Court

* Payment of $95 before case is heard in Youth Court.

* Follow all sanctions given by Youth Court’s Peer Jury

* Complete all sanctions on time.

* Agree to weekly check-ins and open communication with Topeka Youth Project to give updates on progress of sanctions.

* Agree to confidentiality statements 

Requirements to Participate as a Youth Volunteer

* Ages 14-21

* Agree to and adhere to Youth Court schedule.

* Agree to confidentiality statements

How Topeka Youth Project Youth Court Works

Step 1

Case Submission

Submit Case online: 

Youth Court Case Submission

Or case referred directly from the Shawnee County District Court/Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office or Topeka Municipal Court/Topeka City Attorney’s Office

Step 2

Case Eligibility Application MUST BE COMPLETED THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE COURT BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN YOUTH COURT

Complete all forms required by Shawnee County District Court/Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office or Topeka Municipal Court/Topeka City Attorney’s Office. Approval from the courts is needed before participation.

Step 3

Topeka Youth Project Forms

Complete Topeka Youth Project Youth Court participation forms; required to be completed one week before Youth Court hearing or your case will be moved to the following months docket. 

Step 4

Schedule Case Meeting

Required to be completed one week before Youth Court hearing or your case will be moved to the following months docket.

Step 5

Youth Court Hearing

Hearing Date Scheduled; Once your case is added to the docket you are required to attend that hearing date. Missing your hearing date your case will be reviewed to determine if still qualified to continue with Topeka Youth Project Youth Court.

Step 6

$95 Payment

Required before case will be heard; due one week before hearing date. $95 paid online at Youth Court Fee Payment

Step 7

Training

Youth Court training is held the Wednesday before your hearing date.

Training Location:

Topeka Youth Project

(West Ridge Mall Location)

1801 SW Wanamaker Rd. STE H 04

Topeka, KS 66604

Or Online Zoom Meeting

(Determined by participation numbers)

Training Time:         6:00pm-7:00pm

Step 8

Hearing

Court Dates are held on the third Thursday of every month (exception of May & December)

Hearing Location:

Shawnee County Courthouse

200 SE 7th St, Topeka, KS 66603

Third Floor

Hearing Time:

Youth Court Hearing begins at 6:00pm sharp!  Length of hearing depends on case load.

Check-in begins at 5:30pm

Ends at 5:50pm

Step 9

Sanctions:

Sanctions will be given by the Youth Court Jury.

* Defendant and Guardian will sign sanctions agreement at the hearing and will be required to contact Topeka Youth Project within forty-eight (48) hours after the hearing for further instruction on sanction check-ins, community service requirements and/or other instruction related to the case.  YouthCourt@TopekaYouthProject.com

* These sanctions are required to be completed to close your case with the Topeka Youth Project Youth Court and Shawnee County District Court/Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office or Topeka Municipal Court/Topeka City Attorney’s Office.

* Weekly Sanction check-ins are required with progress made; late check-ins or NO progress are considered a strike. Three (3) strikes will cause your case to be referred to the originating jurisdiction and will be subject to whatever penalties that the court of the originating jurisdiction believes to be fair and appropriate.

* Failure to communicate or to complete any of the sanctions imposed by Topeka Youth Project Youth Court the case will be referred to the originating jurisdiction and will be subject to whatever penalties that the court of the originating jurisdiction believes to be fair and appropriate.

Sanctions

Sanctions

(Penalty imposed for disobeying a law or rule)

Possible Sanctions include but not limited to:

* Youth Court Jury Duty

* Community Service

* Attend Topeka Youth Project Program

* Essay

* Apology letter

* Drivers Education or further community education programs

Completion Requirements

* Completion of all 9 Steps in the Youth Court Process.

* Sanctions completed in full and by the required completion date.

Contact Information

Topeka Youth Project Youth Court

Executive Director: Andrea Ard

Address: 1801 SW Wanamaker Rd.

               Suite H 04,

               Topeka, KS 66604

Alt. Phone/Text:

(785) 554-4243

Email: ExecutiveDirector@TopekaYouthProject.com

Submit Your Case Below