In the State of Washington, there are special courts dedicated to dealing with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and domestic violence cases, which individuals may encounter in some circumstances.
Not all cases go to these courts, but some do, and for some individuals, they serve as a lifeline to rehabilitation and healing.
What is DUI court?
This is a type of court focused on helping people who are charged with DUI offenses. Not everyone who gets a DUI qualifies, but some people do, and the court offers them the opportunity to participate in them. The primary goal of these courts is to reduce the likelihood of an individual committing the same crime again.
How does DUI court work?
In DUI court, individuals undergo assessments so the court can identify the person’s specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan that can include therapy, rehab and strict monitoring of activities. The person has to appear in court regularly to report their progress to the judge.
If the individual completes the program, they are not only equipped to live lives free of addiction and substance abuse but also receive legal incentives, like a reduced sentence or a complete dismissal of the person’s charges.
Domestic violence court
There is also domestic violence court, which is similar in that it is designed to help address underlying issues in people who are charged with intimate partner violence. These courts focus on protecting the victim while at the same time providing the person charged with resources to help them heal and reenter society.
In many cases, the process of healing involves therapy, anger management classes and regular reporting of the individual’s progress to the judge until the court is satisfied and believes the individual is no longer a threat.
If you or someone you know faces DUI or domestic violence charges in Washington, these courts may be an option available to those who qualify. Your attorney can answer specific questions about these individual programs and provide more detailed information about qualifications and requirements.