Government
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
Lakeway creates teen court diversion program The city of Lakeway established a teen court diversion program for juvenile offenders following new state legislation aimed at early intervention for at-risk youth. How it works Lakeway’s Teen Court Program will allow teens accused of certain Class C misdemeanors an alternative to the traditional court system where they are tried by a jury of their peers, according to city documents. Class C misdemeanor offenses include traffic tickets, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, and possession or use of alcohol. The details Under the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, cities are required to create youth diversion
Bee Cave officials return to dais
The process
Teen receives citation and is informed of option to join program with parent approval If opted in, teen is tried by a jury of peers from grades 10-12 to determine a sentence of community service or financial restitution
Bee Cave Mayor Kara King, council mem- ber Courtney Hohl and council member Jon Cobb began their new, two-year City Council terms May 14. The candidates were appointed to council by default after running unopposed. The background Cobb served on council from 2018-21 and formally resigned before his second term ended due to personal reasons, according to previous Community Impact reporting. He has now replaced former council member Andrew Rebber, who decided not to run for re-election. Both King and Hohl are serving their third consecutive terms on the dais. Prior to her tenure as mayor, King served on council from 2013-20.
If the sentence is satisfied, the case dismissed and no conviction is recorded
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
programs to reduce recidivism rates. Lakeway’s Associate Judge Kathleen Coble said teen court diversion programs have been piloted successfully in a number of Texas cities already, including Bee Cave. What’s next The program will launch before October and trials will take place at the Lakeway Municipal Court, Lakeway Communications Director Jarrod Wise said.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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