"With our office’s limited resources, it’s critical that we make data driven decisions to invest in the most effective programs." City Attorney Ann Davison said. "Our data shows that pre-filing diversion is more effective compared to Community Court."
Community Court routed misdemeanor cases to services instead of jail time, but City Attorney Ann Davison argued this blanket application ignored how serious the offence could be. Davison’s office was obligated to move offences like property crimes, trespassing, and burglary into a scheme where the defendant would be directed to services, then complete 6 hours of community service.
"I know that dismissal sounds really drastic, but there is no appreciable difference between dismissal and the absence of consequences for these defendants in Community Court." Criminal Division Chief Natalie Walton-Anderson said."What I'm what I'm trying to say here is that essentially, at this point, there have been no consequences for any of those cases." She said."We also have the ability now to have criminal history disqualifiers that we did not have before.