Bay County Teen Court History

Bay County Teen Court was established in May 1994, inspired by a conversation Judge Biebel had at a judicial conference. There, she met a judge from Texas who spoke about the success of the Teen Court program in his state. Motivated by this concept, Judge Biebel returned to Panama City and shared the idea with a local team, who were all in full support of launching a similar initiative.
To further explore the model, Judge Biebel, along with Jerry Gerde, Kay Rivard, Christopher Patterson, Dennis Massey, and Tommy Pitts, traveled to Sarasota, Florida, to observe their Teen Court proceedings. Inspired by what they saw, the team returned to Bay County and worked collaboratively to develop and implement a comparable program tailored to their community's needs.

The primary goal of Bay County Teen Court was to provide an alternative to traditional prosecution for juveniles charged with nonviolent offenses helping them avoid a criminal record while also easing the caseload of the conventional court system. What made the program particularly unique was its peer-led structure, emphasizing positive peer pressure. By placing teens in key courtroom roles such as jurors, attorneys, and bailiffs the program fostered accountability and provided relatable role models for youth offenders.
Beyond the courtroom, the program also aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Offenders were required to complete mandatory community service, which often involved meaningful contributions such as mowing lawns for elderly and disabled residents in Bay County.



Mission Statement

The Bay County Teen Court Program, Inc. is dedicated to diverting first time offenders, charged with misdemeanor crimes, from the traditional court system and thereby ensuring these juveniles a swift, appropriate sentence without the long-term effects of a criminal adjudication of delinquency.



Program Purpose

To provide an alternative to juvenile court, to punish juvenile, offenders for misdemeanor crimes, to provide a court forum operated by teens for teens, and to encourage teens to demonstrate their leadership skills, responsible citizenship, and volunteerism.



Targeted Group

First time juvenile misdemeanor offenders age TWELVE to SEVENTEEN who admit guilt. Juveniles must sign a waiver of speedy trial, and their parents and/or guardians must participate in the process, appear for hearing and agree to accept the sentence imposed



Oath Of Confidentiality

I solemnly swear that I will not divulge either by words or signs any information which comes to my knowledge in the course of a Teen Court Session and that I will keep secret all said proceedings, which may be held in my presence.

About Teen Court

Teen Court provides a structured, peer-driven approach to addressing juvenile offenses. The program gives young offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions while engaging with their peers in a constructive and supportive environment. This approach not only promotes accountability, but also encourages self-reflection, understanding, and personal growth.

In addition, student volunteers gain valuable knowledge of the law and the juvenile justice system, develop leadership and public speaking skills, and earn community service hours while making a positive impact within their peer group and community.

What to Expect

Once a case is referred to Teen Court by Department of Juvenile Justice the youth and their parent(s) or guardian will receive a letter with the date and time for an initial meeting with a Teen Court Director or Assistant Director. During this meeting, the program will be explained in detail, and a court date given.

At court, the jury determines an appropriate sentence. Examples of sentencing options include:

• Community service
• Restitution
• Letters of apology
• Essays
• Communication and Life Skills class
• Peer group classes
• Serving as a Teen Court Juror

Volunteering for Teen Court

Teen Court thrives on the involvement of dedicated teen volunteers who play key roles in the courtroom. By serving as jurors, prosecutors, defense attorneys, or clerks, volunteers help ensure that justice is served in a way that resonates with their peers.

Why Volunteer?

• Contribute to a justice system designed for teens, by teens.
• Earn community service hours for school or other programs.
• Develop valuable skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.
• Scholarship opportunity.

Fundamental Principles

• Respect for confidentiality
• Development of objectivity
• Respect for the rights of others
• Development of personal values
• Respect for societal values
• Acceptance of responsibility
• Respect for the justice system

Volunteering with Teen Court is more than just a learning experience, its an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community.

Locations & Contact

Bay County Teen Court:

Suzanne Cox, Teen Court Director
P.O. Box 1206 Panama City, Florida 32402
Bay County - (850) 747-5191 Fax - (850) 747-5443

Arlene Jones, Teen Court Assistant Director
P.O. Box 1206 Panama City, Florida 32402
Bay County - (850) 747-5191 Fax - (850) 747-5443

Click here for the Teen Court Volunteer Brochure

Volunteer Packet