Image: Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans speaks at a news conference at City Hall about the gun violence related to sex trafficking on Aurora Avenue North in June. She announced a new strategy Thursday that will allow people… (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times)
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans has introduced two initiatives that combine services and accountability for people accused of misdemeanor crimes. Connection Court offers eligible defendants 90 days of support services instead of traditional prosecution, while a separate program targets repeat offenders for stricter consequences.
Connection Court held its first session October 7. Participants accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses can access substance use treatment, employment assistance, health benefits and peer support. Some eligible cases involve low-value theft. To complete the program, participants must demonstrate law-abiding behavior for 90 days. Those who fail to meet the requirements may face traditional prosecution.
Certain offenses and criminal histories disqualify people from participating, including domestic violence, driving under the influence and gun-related misdemeanors. People with serious felony records are also excluded.
The program has drawn criticism from the King County Department of Public Defense, which raised concerns that eligibility restrictions and the 90-day requirement could disproportionately affect people experiencing poverty, homelessness and other challenges. The department also questioned excluding people in custody who cannot afford bail. Evans said the program is designed to address underlying problems and reduce repeat offenses. Mayor Katie Wilson expressed support for the approach.
Connection Court follows several changes in Seattle’s misdemeanor enforcement policies. A previous community court program, launched in 2020, was discontinued in 2023 and replaced with a different approach under former City Attorney Ann Davison.
The second initiative, called High-Priority Repeat Offenses, or HiPRO, focuses on people accused of three offenses within three months or six within six months. It also targets individuals accused of returning to businesses after being trespassed and allegedly stealing. Prosecutors will seek aggravated jail sentences for qualifying cases, and those individuals are generally presumed ineligible for diversion programs.
The two initiatives reflect Seattle’s effort to distinguish between defendants who may benefit from services and those prosecutors consider repeat offenders. Their implementation will help determine how the city balances rehabilitation, public safety and accountability, including concerns raised by defense advocates about access to diversion programs.
