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Youth Court has had two (2) repeat offenders in 2005.

(i.e. unauthorized use of motor vehicle, possession stolen property.)

The average age of the juvenile who committed the offenses listed above was 12.25 years old.
Youth Court has had two (2) repeat offenders in 2005 to date.

Youth Court Program

The Horseheads Youth Court which was started in the early 1970′s, is an alternative to the County Family Court system and is for young people who have committed a minor crime or offense. The goal of Youth Court is to intervene early to deal with delinquent, and criminal behavior involving juveniles in our community, and to reduce incidents and prevent repeat behavior. Youth Court is a diversion program that gives first-time juvenile offenders a chance to avoid entering the criminal justice system or Family Court. It holds these youthful offenders accountable for their actions as they are judged by their peers. It also gives youth court members an opportunity to work in the criminal justice system firsthand, prosecuting, defending, and judging the actions of their peers. The Town of Horseheads sponsors Horseheads Youth Court, which includes a Juvenile Aid officer from both Horseheads and Elmira Heights Police Departments. Officer Abe Patterson is the Juvenile Aid Officer representing Horseheads Police Department and Sergeant Rick Churches represents the Elmira Heights Police Department.

During the first half of 2005 there were a total of sixty-four (64) high school, middle school and elementary school students, ages 7 to 15 years old referred to three Youth Court teams.

Caseload

The Town of Horseheads heard 64 juvenile cases

• 28 cases referred by Horseheads Village Police Dept.
• 23 cases referred by the New York State Police
• 13 cases referred by the Elmira Heights Police Dept.
• 0 cases referred by the Chemung County Sheriff

2005 Breakdown

Youth Court 2005 breakdown through August 31, 2005

• Petit Larceny: 28
• Criminal Mischief: 4
• Trespassing: 3
• Curfew Violations: 1
• Disorderly Conduct: 13
• Harassment: 1
• Underage possession of Alcohol or Unlawful Possession of Marijuana: 9
• Miscellaneous: 5
  (i.e. unauthorized use of motor vehicle, possession stolen property.)

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