Seattle rolls out diversion program for misdemeanor drug cases
SEATTLE — The city of Seattle will be offering a new option to people who are arrested for misdemeanor drug possession.
The “Drug Prosecution Alternative” gives defendants the option to engage with resources and complete a drug test in exchange for their charges being dismissed.
“Warm handoffs between branches of the criminal justice system should become standard, particularly for individuals with substance abuse disorder,” said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison.
Davison announced the new program Wednesday and said it will be used as a companion to the existing “Stay Out of Drug Area” or SODA law that was passed last year.
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“We will continue to tie in SODA work to prevent dealers from preying on those who are taking part in the Drug Prosecution Alternative and to protect our public spaces.”
To have their case dismissed, defendants have to sign an agreement with the city attorney’s office and then complete a program with the Seattle Municipal Court Resource Center, which includes an orientation, a substance use assessment, a drug test, and, potentially a SODA order.
The program also requires participants to commit no new criminal violations for 60 days. If the participants don’t comply with the conditions of the program, their case can be returned to the traditional court process.
The Drug Prosecution Alternative fills a critical gap in our alternative court system, thoughtfully balancing public safety with a compassionate pathway to recovery for those battling addiction,” Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson said in a statement about the program. The fentanyl epidemic and addiction, in general, are inextricably linked to our public safety and homelessness crises. I applaud City Attorney Davison and her team for advancing an initiative that will make our city safer and incentivize our most vulnerable residents to get the help they need.
The Seattle City Council voted in 2023 to recriminalize drug possession and public drug use. When the drug possession law was reinstated, the city added millions in new funding for treatment services.
