Any juvenile who is alleged to have committed a status offense or an act of delinquency which would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult or in the case of a violation of a municipal ordinance, an offense over which municipal courts have concurrent jurisdiction, and who is otherwise subject to the provisions of W.Va. Ch. 49, may be given the option of proceeding in the Teen Court program as an alternative to the filing of a formal petition under W.Va. § 49-4-04 or proceeding to a disposition as provided by W.Va. Code §§ 49-4-712 or 49-4-714, as the case may be. The decision to extend the option to enter the Teen Court program as an alternative procedure shall be made by the Municipal Court if the court finds that the offender is a suitable candidate for the program. No juvenile may enter the Teen Court program unless he or she and his or her parent or guardian consent. Any juvenile who does not successfully cooperate in and complete the Teen Court program and any disposition imposed therein shall be returned to the municipality for further disposition consistent with any applicable ordinance.
(Ord. passed 1-14-2013)