Judge Phillips outlines juvenile diversion program as Boerne court staff honored

Judge Ed Phillips gave a March 25 presentation to the Boerne City Council describing municipal court caseload trends, the city’s youth diversion program for juveniles and the retirement of longtime court administrator Claudia Lemon.

Phillips said the court processed more than 3,000 cases last year and that juvenile caseloads had risen (he compared 73 juvenile files in February 2024 with 17 in February 2017). “The youth diversion program is an alternative method of disposing of juvenile cases, kids between the ages of 10 and 16, dealing with non‑possession, non‑drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct,” Judge Ed Phillips told the council.

Program details: Phillips said diversion focuses on education and community service, and participants do not enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Parents must agree to the diversion terms, and the only administrative fee the court can charge is $50 — payable by the parent if they can afford it; the fee is waived for indigent families. Phillips said diversion cannot be used more than once in a 365‑day period and that the prosecutor may object; if the prosecutor objects, the case returns to the criminal justice process.

Phillips said vaping and minor disorderly conduct are prominent juvenile offenses. He reported that the court had handled eight diversion cases to date and described the program goal as reducing recidivism by involving parents and education rather than immediate fines and long court records for youth.

Recognition: The council held a public recognition for court administrator Claudia Lemon, who announced she will retire in May after 21 years with the city. City staff praised Lemon’s experience, certifications and leadership in municipal court operations.

Ending: The council conducted a photo recognition and staff thanked Lemon and Judge Phillips for their service; no formal council action was taken on the youth diversion program at this meeting.