Vancouver has launched a new Community Court program, in collaboration with several service and treatment providers, that will compassionately address 10 lower-level offenses to improve quality-of-life concerns, and participants will receive immediate access to services such as housing, healthcare, and behavioral health. — File photo

The Community Court will tackle 10 offenses that will help address quality of life concerns

VANCOUVER – Today, a new Community Court in Vancouver began hearing cases. The Court is a collaborative effort between the city of Vancouver, Clark County District Court, Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program and several service and treatment providers, including Council for the Homeless, Columbia River Mental Health, Sea-Mar, Ideal Options, Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, and Recovery Café.

“Vancouver’s new community court program is set up to compassionately and intelligently address lower-level crimes,” said City Attorney Jonathan Young. “Offenses such as camping in an ecologically sensitive area can now be addressed with meaningful consequences that have a positive impact on our community and break down barriers that have historically prevented people from finding jobs and permanent housing.”

The Community Court will tackle 10 offenses that will help address quality of life concerns. Examples of eligible offenses include:

Criminal Trespass 2 (RCW 9A.52.080)
Disorderly Conduct (RCW 9A.84.030)
Intoxicating Liquor in the Park (VMC 15.04.120)
Park Curfew Violation (VMC 15.04.150)
Pedestrian Interference (VMC 7.04.020)
Unlawful Bus Conduct (VMC 7.13.040)
Unlawful Camping (VMC 8.22.040)
Unlawful Storage of Personal Property in Public (VMC 8.22.050)
Unlawful Transit Conduct (RCW 9.91.025)
Urinating in Public (VMC 7.10.020)

“Collaborative Court Programs such as Community Court allow us to focus on quality-of-life issues and work outside of traditional court processes. These types of courts have been proven to offer more positive outcomes for participants and the community,” said Bryan Farrell, Court Administrator, Clark County District Court. “Directly connecting participants to services on their first day of court and having services available at each follow-up court hearing removes so many barriers for our participants.”

Police officers will cite eligible offenses into Community Court. At the court date, a court appointed attorney will be available to discuss the process, review the police report, and provide advice prior to entrance to the program. In addition to work crews assigned directly from the court, participants will have a needs assessment, where they will be immediately required to meet and participate with providers to help them navigate services that include housing, healthcare, behavioral health, and others.

Charges will be dismissed if conditions are successfully completed. Failure to appear or participate will mean a warrant and the case will return to “regular” court.

The Community Court will convene every Monday, except for recognized national holidays. For more information about community court visit, https://www.cityofvancouver.us/law/page/community-court

Information provided by city of Vancouver.

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