A Way To Resolve Smaller Crimes
The Neighborhood Courts program is a community driven, pre-filing diversion program designed to divert low-level misdemeanor offenses from entering the criminal justice system.
First time offenders are given an opportunity to take responsibility and repair the harm they caused through a community-based process using restorative justice principles instead of a courtroom.
Neighborhood Courts address criminal violations that impact the quality of life in the community and are an alternative to entering into criminal court. The purpose of the program is to: reduce recidivism by understanding why offenders offend, address the harm the offense had on the victim (if applicable) and the community and, using restorative principles rather than punitive principles, effectively and efficiently restore the local community, victim and offender back into community.
How Do Neighborhood Courts Work?
Eligible cases are diverted by the District Attorney’s Office into the Neighborhood Courts program. While participation is voluntary and confidential, participants must be willing to take responsibility for their actions that caused harm. Victims are invited to participate on a voluntary basis.
A Panel of trained community volunteers meet with the participant and victim (if applicable) in a relaxed, confidential space, in what is called a conference.
During the Conference, volunteer panelists and the participant discuss:
- Harms caused to victim (if applicable) and community
- Root of why the crime happened
- Panelist and participant work together to select directives that are specific, reasonable, attainable, and restorative to the participant, victim, and community.
Once the participant successfully completes the directives, the case will be dismissed.
The participant is given a second chance because the conviction will not be on their record. If needed, the participants may be referred to additional services offered in the community.
If a case is not resolved in Neighborhood Courts, it will be re-routed back to the District Attorney’s Office.
Community Involvement
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer panelist? Join our volunteer team.
Neighborhood Courts volunteers are essential to the success of the program. Volunteer panelists are community members that are trained in restorative justice, cultural competency, effective communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
The District Attorney’s Office strives to create a diverse group of volunteer panelists throughout the County of Santa Cruz who are from different diverse socioeconomic, cultural, gender, age, and professional backgrounds.
Requirements to become a volunteer panelist:
- Complete the application
- Pass a background check
- Complete volunteer panelist training
- Observe two Neighborhood Court conferences.
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District Attorney Jeff Rosell, 1st and 2nd District Supervisors John Leopold and Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, and Capitola Police Chief Terry McManus will speak at a Zoom meeting on Neighborhood Courts 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96276950374?pwd=OWRsUnVMdHV0UG0xdXlaamVqQzNGdz09
Meeting ID: 962 7695 0374
Passcode: wdhWH6
Dial by Telephone: (669)900- 9128 US or (253)215-8782
Meeting ID: 962 7695 0374
Passcode: 664614
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On Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. District Attorney Jeff Rosell, 4th District Supervisor Greg Caput, and Watsonville Police Chief David Honda will host a meeting on Neighborhood Courts.
https://zoom.us/j/95155529700?pwd=VGlSZmxsdml2UklKZnBNYU41M0hZdz09
Meeting ID: 951 5552 9700 Passcode: 3j7cSZ
Telephone: (669)900-9128 or (253)215-8782
Meeting ID: 951 5552 9700 Passcode: 528863
•••
On Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m., District Attorney Jeff Rosell, Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson, and Scotts Valley Police Chief Steve Walpole will host a meeting on Zoom talking about Neighborhood Courts. To listen:
https://zoom.us/j/98406156310?pwd=S0xnQWJLQmlyZ085WThzV0hkdTg4Zz09
Meeting ID: 984 0615 6310 Passcode: vRyaH1
Or call: (669)900-9128 or (253)215-8782
Meeting ID: 984 0615 6310 Passcode: 876773
•••
On Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. District Attorney Jeff Rosell, 3rd District Supervisor Ryan Coonerty, UCSC Police Chief Nader Oweis, and Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills will host a meeting on Neighborhood Courts.
https://zoom.us/j/97277435667?pwd=NWJNNEtUUnNxdlZtazhGVXgvSWlDZz09
Meeting ID: 972 7743 5667 Passcode: K7p5Mu
Telephone: (669)900-9128 or (346)248-7799
Meeting ID: 972 7743 5667 Passcode: 762967
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For more information, or to apply to become a volunteer, visit https://datinternet.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/NeighborhoodCourts.aspx
Or contact Elaine Johnson, Neighborhood Courts Program Coordinator, Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office: [email protected] or call 831-454-2534.