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Community Courts
Program overview
A community court is an alternative, problem-solving court. It differs from traditional court 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 courts provide services and accountability for those who are eligible and choose to participate. An assessment is conducted for all community court participants to identify their challenges and strengths. The assessment provides information to help determine what follow-up steps an individual community court participant will be required to take. Among other actions, participants often are required to perform community service.
Community court increases collaboration between the criminal justice system and other systems, including mental health, substance use disorder, human services, housing, employment and education.
King County community courts are a collaborative effort between King County District Court, local cities, service providers and other public agencies.
Eligibility
Community court participants must not have any violent felony convictions in the last five years; any pending violent felony charges; or a sex offender history.
Charges heard
The specific charges heard at each community court vary by city. Examples of these misdemeanor charges include urinating in public, sleeping in a park, theft, trespass, or disorderly conduct. Driving-related cases currently are not eligible.
Role of community resource centers
A community resource center is an integral component of community court. The resource center at each community court includes on-site community partners that provide a wide array of services, such as healthcare/insurance, education, job training, behavioral health, substance use disorder help and more. By coming together in one place, many different community service agencies are better able to collaborate.
The community resource centers are open to court participants and the public. You do not have to be involved with community court to use the services.
Refer to our community resource centers page for details.
Program details
Hearings held outside traditional courthouse
An important goal of community court is reintegrating participants into the community and healing the harm their offenses might have caused. Having court hearings in a safe, neutral and community-centered location (such as a library or community center) encourages the participants to stay engaged and removes the stigma associated with the courthouse. Additionally, as community resource centers co-located with the courts are crucial to providing services that participants and other community members need, it is important to house the resource centers in places that are easily accessible to everyone in the community.
Public attendance
The public is welcome to attend community court. Anyone entering the courtroom must go through the required security screening.
Security of community court
State law mandates weapons screening in all courthouses. This requirement applies to rooms within public facilities such as libraries and community centers when those rooms are hosting community court. As a result, a security screener is in position at King County community courts to wand individuals before entering the courtroom. Bags also are checked before entering the courtroom.
No screening is required to enter portions of the facility not being used as a courtroom.
Effectiveness of community courts
A detailed study of one of the first community courts in the U.S. found a range of benefits to participants and the overall community. A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Red Hook Community Justice Center in Brooklyn found that the court:
- Increased cost efficiencies
- Decreased costs of crimes to victims
- Savings outweighed program costs by a factor of nearly 2 to 1
- Reduced use of jail [35% fewer offenders received jail sentences]
- Reduced recidivism [10% reduction]
- Reduced crime [sustained decrease in both felony and misdemeanor arrests]
Auburn Community Court
Auburn Community Court is a collaborative effort between King County District Court, City of Auburn and community service providers.
Court day and time
Thursdays, 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Participant appearance at hearings
Participants must appear in court by one of the ways listed in the hearing notice you received.
Auburn Community Court Zoom videoconference access
Judge
King County District Court Judge Leah Taguba
Auburn Community Resource Center
For available services and hours, refer to our community resource centers page.
Contact
Jennifer Turner, Auburn Community Court Coordinator
Redmond Community Court
Redmond Community Court is a collaborative effort between King County District Court, King County Library System, City of Redmond and community service providers.
Court day and time
Wednesdays, 2:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Participant appearance at hearings
Participants must appear in court by one of the ways listed in the hearing notice you received.
Redmond Community Court Zoom videoconference access
Judge
King County District Court Judge Kevin Peck
Redmond Community Resource Center
For available services and hours, refer to our community resource centers page.
Contact
Shoreline/Kenmore Community Court
Shoreline/Kenmore Community Court is a collaborative effort between King County District Court, City of Shoreline, City of Kenmore and community service providers.
Court day and time
Tuesdays, 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participant appearance at hearings
Participants must appear in court by one of the ways listed in the hearing notice you received.
Shoreline/Kenmore Community Court Zoom videoconference access
Judge
King County District Court Judge Karama H. Hawkins
Shoreline/Kenmore Community Resource Center
For available services and hours, refer to our community resource centers page.
Contact
Karra Wilson, Shoreline/Kenmore Community Court Coordinator