Qualifying defendants will have the chance to participate in a new City program–community court– starting Sept. 13.
The SeaTac City Council accepted the state’s allocated funds that will support the community court last fall.
“Community courts are problem solving courts,” Mayor Jake Simpson said. “Our City is now able to properly address low-level crime with education, resources and treatment. Broadly, community courts have been proven to reduce recidivism and I’m sure our program will show similar benefits.”
A community courts differ from traditional courts in that it seeks to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. Its goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and reduce recidivism.
Community Court is a collaboration of court and social service professionals, dedicated to helping participants reach practical and targeted solutions. Community Court is designed to provide individuals with an opportunity to have their charge(s) dismissed.
People charged with eligible misdemeanors can participate when prosecutors and public defenders agree that such a process would prove beneficial for the defendant. Anyone with previous serious felony charges will not be eligible for the program. Participating people must complete an assessment that will showcase the areas in which they need the most support.
“If we can start by meeting people’s basic needs, we can reduce their criminal involvement,” SeaTac Judge Pauline Freund said. “This is fiscally conservative and costs residents nothing because this program is funded by the state. Some of the people who will be eligible to participate often lack agency over their lives. This program gives them a chance to take some control. They will be held accountable to comply with the program and if they do not, they will have to go back to mainstream court.”
Many cases that come through SeaTac are low-level offenses including trespassing on Port of Seattle property along with petty thefts. These defendants can be eligible for community court if they undergo the process and agree to the terms.
Community Court hours are the second and third Wednesday of every month with the second Wednesday hours being 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and the third Wednesday hours are 1 – 3:30 p.m.
During these times, eligible defendants, and anyone else in the community, can meet with community partner organizations that will be able to help with substance abuse, healthcare, job training and so much more. To learn more visit our website.
