501 (c)(3) TBP Adopt-a-Case Donation

Sometimes, teenagers make bad choices; ones that may affect the rest of their lives. This is especially true of those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. They get arrested and convicted, and find themselves with a permanent mark on their juvenile record, which could adversely affect their future; just because of one error in judgment.

There is an alternative.

Trial By Peers™ (TBP), a juvenile court diversion program established in 1993 and approved by the Nevada Supreme Court, processes hundreds of cases per year, while positively affecting hundreds of teenagers in Clark County.

Approximately 60 percent of the youth participating in the program fall in the low to moderate household income level. TBP processes cases for first and some second time nonviolent misdemeanor offenders. Defendants are prosecuted and defended by teen counselors and tried in front of a jury of their peers. Teen juries determine guilt or innocence, and if applicable, impose a sentence. Youth courts primarily serve two functions, hold juveniles accountable for their actions, and to allow juveniles in the community to enhance life skills, such as problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution. Concepts emphasized in youth court not only include accountability and youth involvement, but youth empowerment, competency development, and positive peer influence.

A: When a teen defendant goes through the Juvenile Court Intake, the defendant’s parents can elect to have their child’s case assigned to TBP.

Q: How does a TBP case work?

A: The case is adjudicated in one of several Clark County courtrooms. The defendant is represented by a teen defense Peer Counselor, who is advised by a Senior Counselor – a licensed Nevada attorney. The prosecuting Peer Counselor is also a teen, who is also advised by a Senior Counselor. The case is heard before an adult judge, while a jury of the defendant’s peers, who are all teenagers, decide upon the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Q: What qualifies the Peer Counselors to handle TBP cases?

A: The Peer Counselors attend a nine-week training summer course, learning about the law, how to argue a case, and court procedure. Upon completion of the course, each prospective Peer Counselor must successfully pass a bar examination. Then, they are considered qualified.

Q: What are the benefits of TBP?

A: There are many. But, here are three of the most-important:

• If the defendant is found guilty, and completes the requirements of his/her sentence, there will be no criminal mark on the defendant’s permanent record.

• The recidivism rate for TBP is much lower than juvenile court.

• TBP helps to relieve the strain on the juvenile court system, while saving thousands of your tax dollars.

A: You can help by making your tax-deductible donation to the Clark County Law Foundation, for the benefit of the Trial By Peers Program. 100% of your donation will go directly to paying the costs of running this valuable program.

Q: How much should I donate?

A: As much as you can afford. While any amount is welcome, you can "Adopt-a-Case" for your donation of $250.00 or more. By giving at this level, you are ensuring that TBP can cover the expense of at least one case.

You can impact a teenager’s life, and their future, by giving generously to Trial By Peers.

Adopt-a-Case Level $250 (or more)
Every donor who gives at the "Adopt-a-Case" level, or more, will be honored on a special plaque, permanently displayed in the Clark County Bar Center. Additionally, your name will be published on our Web site and in the Clark County Bar Association’s official magazine, Communiqué, recognizing you for your generosity and commitment.

View a printable version of the Adopt-a-Case brochure (.PDF format)

Please select the desired amount of cases you wish to adopt below.
Thank you for your support!