Criminal Defense (Therapeutic Courts)

Felony, Misdemeanor, and Gross Misdemeanor cases.

The Washington State legislature has determined that judges in criminal courts across our state may effectively utilize what are commonly known as therapeutic courts. These courts can remove a defendant’s case from the traditional criminal court track and allow those defendants the opportunity to obtain treatment services to address “particular issues” that may have contributed to the conduct that led to their arrest or other issues before the court.

Trial courts have proven adept at creative approaches in fashioning a wide variety of therapeutic courts addressing the spectrum of social issues that can contribute to criminal activity. By focusing on the defendant’s individual's needs, providing treatment for the issues presented, and ensuring rapid and appropriate accountability for program violations, therapeutic courts may decrease recidivism, improve the safety of the community, and improve the life of the program participant and the lives of the participant's family members.

Therapeutic court programs may include, but are not limited to:

• Adult drug courts.
• Juvenile drug courts.
• Family dependency treatment court or family drug courts.
• Mental health court, which may include participants with developmental disabilities.
• DUI courts.
• Veterans’ treatment court.
• Domestic violence courts.
• Homeless courts.

Criminal matters involving severe mental health or substance use issues should be reviewed by an attorney with the experience and background to address these complex issues.

Our office is standing by to assist.