Dakota County Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2025 - Peer Review

Youth offenders held accountable by fellow teens in Dakota County Peer Court

When youth make mistakes with legal consequences, it’s important they learn from them. The Dakota County Peer Court diversion program helps youth offenders change behaviors and remain law-abiding.

The Dakota County Attorney’s Office and Dakota County District Court run Peer Court. It’s an alternative to traditional Juvenile Court for first-time offenders accused of misdemeanor theft, property damage or other low-level offenses. The Attorney’s Office refers youth to the program.

By participating in Peer Court, youth can avoid delinquency charges and a juvenile court record. High school students volunteer as jurors, observers and court bailiffs. They help decide how to hold juvenile offenders accountable.

The program has served 68 juveniles since 2020. A volunteer district court judge, a program coordinator and assistant county attorney oversee Peer Court. Currently, five high schools take part — Hastings, Farmington, Eastview, Lakeville North and Lakeville South.

During a Peer Court hearing, student jurors review charges against a juvenile offender. With support from their parent or guardian, the juvenile can explain their side of the story. Jurors ask questions before they leave to discuss the case with an attorney advisor. Then, jurors recommend an appropriate outcome to the judge, who makes a final decision.

The offender, their parent or guardian, and the judge sign a Peer Court order. The order outlines conditions the juvenile must complete. The county monitors whether the juvenile meets the conditions. Conditions may include completing community service hours, paying restitution, attending a class or counseling, or writing an essay or apology.

Youth are held accountable for minor, first-time offenses without the involvement of the traditional court system. The program teaches youth about the juvenile justice system and gives them opportunities to interact with positive adult role models. It also provides leadership opportunities to other youth who volunteer to help reduce juvenile crime in their community.

1,500

High school students who have volunteered as Peer Court jurors, court bailiffs and observers

68

Youth who have completed Peer Court since 2020