HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/21/2025 09.A. Discussion about developing a community service program involving non-profit providers and municipal courts OF`} '‘
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 9.A.
For Meeting of: January 21, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Discussion about developing a community service program involving
non-profit providers and municipal courts
SUBMITTED BY: Aryn Masters, Yakima Municipal Court Judge
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
At the September 17, 2024 City Council meeting, staff was directed to add to a future agenda a
discussion about developing a community service program involving non-profit providers and municipal
courts.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: An Engaged Yakima
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Community Service Program Presentation.pdf
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Community Service Program
within the Yakima Municipal Court
Judge Aryn Masters and Judge Troy Clements
January 21st, 2025
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Community Service Hours
• The court orders defendants to complete community service hours
(CSH ) for a variety of reasons.
• CSH must be completed at a non-profit agency within the city limits of
Yakima, with some exceptions.
• The court has a non-exhaustive list of non-profit agencies where CHS hours
can be completed available on its website.
• Proof must be provided to the court on official letterhead with a
supervisor signature for verification .
• Failure to complete CSH may result in additional penalties, including
jail time.
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How is Community Service used in the Court ?
• CSH are assigned to defendants by the court in three different areas :
• Community Diversion Program (soon to be Community Diversion Court)
• All participants are required to complete CSH.
• Additional CSH can be imposed as sanctions for program violations in Community
Diversion Court.
• Sentencing alternative to jail time in criminal cases
• CSH is utilized as an available sentencing alternative for defendants with limited criminal
history in cases where the current charge is a non-violent offense.
• EX: 8 hours of CSH in lieu of 1 day in jail for some Driving with License Suspended convictions.
• Infractions
• Drivers ages 16 or 17, in high school, who have no prior infractions.
• CSH is assigned on a sliding scale based upon the fine along with other conditions.
• Can be assigned in lieu of monetary fines for low-income adult traffic offenders.
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Community Service Program
• There is no formal program or partnership with any specific non-profit
agencies for community service.
• Community service could be utilized in a more directed way.
• For example, defendants could be ordered to complete CSH through the City
of Yakima by assisting city employees in maintaining and improving the city.
• Potential barriers:
• Defendants would need to be supervised.
• Staff would be needed to complete a screening process for defendants.
• Issues relating to liability to the City.
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