Bringing court to the community

Feb. 7, 2023 - Lakewood Municipal Court has launched an innovative new court program that brings the court into the community, a step that improves access to the court for those with limited resources and connects them with services to address challenges contributing to their criminal conduct.

Called Community Outreach Court, the program is designed to allow individuals to resolve their Municipal Court cases while providing them with direct and immediate access to services and resources in the community, with the goal of improving their lives as well as the overall community.

Lakewood joins other cities in the state and across the country that are using this problem-solving program to get at the root causes of minor crimes such as trespassing and petty theft as a way to reduce repeat cases and make neighborhoods safer.

“Many of those who come to the Outreach Court lack simple things like photo identification and are unfamiliar with the resources that are available to help them secure employment or find housing in their road to becoming more self-sufficient,” Lakewood Presiding Judge Nicole Bozarth said. “Taking the court out into the community removes some of these barriers and the intimidation factor of going to court so that we can provide these individuals with services they need.”

This program launched in December and meets the first Thursday of each month at centrally located Mountair Community Church, 1390 Benton St. Operating the court at an off-site location is unique and is designed to encourage those with court cases who might otherwise be reluctant to appear in court to attend. Individuals who are eligible and agree to participate are provided with individually tailored services and are connected with community service providers. Even individuals who do not have court cases can still meet with the service providers.

Nearly a dozen service providers participate in the outreach court including the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, and employment, medical and food resources.

At the court, individuals initially check in with one of Lakewood’s homeless navigators who assist with determining the person’s needs. Those with outstanding cases meet with a prosecutor and have the opportunity to meet with publicly provided attorneys known as a public defender. Resolution of cases can include a requirement to sign up for services the person needs in exchange for a closure of the case. In more serious cases or for those who need longer-term assistance, individuals will meet with a probation officer regularly while on probation, and they will be required to return to court monthly for an assessment and review of their progress.

During December’s and January’s court sessions, 15 individuals attended, with 42 cases resolved. All misdemeanor charges in Municipal Court, except for domestic violence and juvenile cases, are eligible to be part of the Community Outreach Court.

Courts staff, Police Department agents and homeless navigators have been distributing flyers about the court, and Bozarth hopes that the program continues to grow as word spreads about its benefits so those with cases can take advantage of its convenience.

“It’s a win-win for those with court cases and the community,” she said. “This research-based approach can improve their stability within the community, thereby decreasing their involvement in the criminal justice system.”