Courier View Pikes Peak
PIKES PEAK 3.6.13
Teller County, Colorado • Volume 52, Issue 10
March 6, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourtellercountynews.com
Youthful offenders judged by peers By Pat Hill
phill@ourcoloradonews.com In Woodland Park, teenage offenders have a second chance at following the straight-and-narrow pathway to adulthood. Thanks to the city’s Teen Court, a program
sponsored by the Woodland Park Police Department, kids charged with misdemeanors escape the blot on their permanent record but still fulfill sentences imposed by a jury of their peers. At 13, Amber Woodside, a prosecuting attorney, is the youngest member of the
Beverly Hodges, who coordinates the Teen Court program for the Woodland Park Police Department, confers with the prosecuting attorney, Amber Woodside, 13. Photos by Pat Hill
court. She’s tough. “I want to let them know they’ve done the city a great injustice because that’s who I’m representing, the community of Woodland Park,” Woodside said. “Maybe they’ll think twice before committing another crime.” The only adults on the court are the judge, a police officer, and the bailiff; otherwise, the students fulfill the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys as well as the jury, composed of previous offenders. “As of right now, I’m the only regular prosecuting attorney,” she said. “The judge is usually one of the police officers.” The court only prosecutes misdemeanors such as trespassing, marijuana and drug-paraphernalia charges, theft, possession of tobacco or alcohol by a minor, assault or harassment. Offenders are referred to the court by the municipal court judge. To qualify, the student must be a first-time offender and must admit guilt. “Offenders are generally remorseful; I’ve had a couple of cases where there really wasn’t much remorse which is definitely an aggravating factor,” Woodside said. “I think the purpose of Teen Court is not punishment but reformation; you’re trying to show them that what they did is wrong.” Woodside, who is home-schooled, plans to be part of the court through high school,
Amber Woodside, 13, is the youngest member of the Teen Court, which offers teenage offenders a second chance to do the right thing. The court is made up of teenagers from 13 to 18. is considering a career as attorney. “Teen Court is really a wonderful experience, interacting with the jury members and the attorneys. I feel that the court really does make a difference in the defendants’ lives,” she said. “The court gives the defendant a great chance to be set back on the right path. That’s the reason I wanted to be a prosecutor in the first place.”
CAT IN THE HAT ON LAPS
Cripple Creek-Victor High School National Honor Society students celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading Seuss stories to Cresson Elementary School students. Pictured in the grade school gym from top row left are senior Darien Carrillo, NHS Sponsor Mrs. Johnston and senior Josie Cole Second row from left are junior Sarah Wywias, senior Haley Hute and Samantha Skottegaard The Cat in the Hat is junior Toby Wuellner. Courtesy photo
Commissioners say no to gun control By Pat Hill phill@ourcoloradonews.com Teller County commissioners weighed in on the gun-control issue riveting the country now. Since the mass murder of school children in Newtown, Conn. in December, some call for more guns while others call for more control. To emphasize their position, commissioners Marc Dettenrieder and Dave Paul POSTAL ADDRESS
The resolution is directed at the President, the U.S. Congress, Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Colorado General Assembly. The document asks these individuals and entities to recognize that the multitude of existing laws related to the manufacture, sale and possession of firearms, and acknowledge that in order to combat gun violence the United States must enforce existing laws and more effectively to deter those who violate such laws. “This was a symbolic gesture, a statement,” Dettenrieder said. “I certainly oppose the four gun-related bills in the state House and now moving on to the Senate. I look at the resolution as a way to get more Printed on recycled newsprint. Please counties involved in a show of force.” recycle this copy. Dettenrieder is particularly riled about SB 196, the Assault Weapon Responsibility Act, proposed by Colorado Senate President John Morse. The bill, if passed, would hold owners and sellers of assault weapons liable for crimes committed with the guns. The entire roster of bills passed by the
passed a resolution Feb. 28 upholding the Second Amendment. The resolution cites the 2008 Supreme Court decision in District of Columbia v. Heller which ruled that the amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. As well, the resolution highlights the fact that studies by the National Academies of Science and Center for Disease Control have found no persuasive evidence that “gun control” laws actually reduce crime.
House is reactive, Dettenrieder said. “The legislation comes from a group that uses tragedy to advance their agenda and is a chip-away approach at our liberties,” he said. “These bills are an infringement on the Constitution.” Granted, the resolution is only a small gesture, said commission chair Dave Paul. “Of all these things we do as a commission this will probably have the least effect,” Paul said. “But if we do this as a county maybe Washington will get the hint. They’re only looking at gun control because it’s the politically-expedient thing to do.” While the commissioners are not lawenforcement officers, the resolution is their way of taking a stand to defend the Constitution and the Second Amendment. To that end, commissioner Norm Steen was in Washington Feb. 28, representing the county at the National Association of Counties. “He will be talking to our federal legislators on the issue of gun control,” Paul said.