Youth Court is a diversion program for first time juvenile offenders who have been charged with a crime under Utah Law. The program is run by teens in a courtroom setting and operates under the supervision of Detective Stephen Johnson and Detective Chase Peterson. The Court listens to the juvenile's side of the incident and then hands down an appropriate sentence. The juvenile and his/her parent(s) and/or guardian(s) have to agree to the sentence. The Court does not decide guilt or innocence. By signing the initial intake form, the juvenile is admitting guilt. However, if the juvenile completes the program, the charges are dropped and he/she will not have a juvenile record. It is important for parents/guardians to know that if they believe their juvenile is innocent of the charges, they do not agree to enter the program. The case will be handled through Juvenile Court.

For parents/guardians wishing to enter the program, they are required to complete an intake form and mail it back to the Police Department within ten (10) days. A Notice of Appearance will then be mailed back to them. If the intake form is not completed and returned within the required ten (10) days, the case is then sent to Juvenile Court.

Youth Court convenes every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Box Elder County Court House, 01 South Main, Brigham City, Utah. Hearings are not open to the public.

If you have any questions about the Youth Court Program, please feel free to contact the Brigham City Police Department at (435) 734-6650.