McAllen Youth Court program underway

A young group of law students take an intensive course in criminal law in McAllen.

The group of 25 teens participate in McAllen's Teen Court program, where teen volunteers serve as jurors, bailiffs and even attorneys representing their peers with criminal records.

“This gives us an opportunity to put into practice what we will see in law,” said youth court participant Itzel Ramos.

Students will become jurors and attorneys for real-world cases, but not without some prior practice.

Attorney Benito Alonzo volunteered to help teach the basics of criminal law during the first session held Wednesday.

There is one more class next month before the court sits. The young courtroom will only hear Class C misdemeanor cases involving juveniles.

“It shows that many people, or everyone, can make mistakes — and one mistake doesn't define your future,” Alonzo said.

The sentences imposed on the accused teens will be hours of tutoring or community service. The jury of their teenage peers will decide the length of their sentence.

Young offenders who choose to participate in the program will have their fines canceled and their records expunged.

More information about McAllen's Teen Court program, including how to apply to become a volunteer, is available online.

Watch the video above for the full story.