Community Court

Every other Tuesday at 9:45am | Bellingham Municipal Court
2014 C Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

Our Mission

To uphold equal access to justice through a
holistic approach that properly addresses
quality-of-life offenses, ensures community
safety, and holds offenders accountable by
combining the criminal justice system, community
resources, and substance abuse treatment to
encourage participants to rebuild their lives as
individuals and within the community.

BMCC is a problem-solving court that will use a trauma-informed approach to assist those individuals who find themselves in the criminal justice system due to quality-of-life offenses. This program will connect participants with social services available in the community to address any underlying issues and reduce repeated offenses within the criminal justice system.

  1. To remove barriers people face in obtaining community services by creating a local community network of social and treatment services.
  2. To promote safety and improve quality-of-life for both participants and the community.
  3. To reduce the use of jail as a sanction for low level offenses.

The City Prosecutor determines who is eligible for Community Court based on the current charges and prior criminal history. The participant is given the opportunity to speak to a Defense Attorney to review their options prior to their entry into community court. The Court Services Manager administers a Risk and Needs assessment to identify the needs of the participant, any recommended services, and the length of time they will be in the program. Program length ranges from 3—24 months, and is determined by the results of the assessment and any criminal history. Once the participant has opted into the program, they will be connected with the services as set forth in the Court’s order. Participants will meet with their Probation Specialist, who will then connect them with necessary services. Once all the conditions of the program have been met, the participant graduates from the program, and the case will be dismissed.

BMCC and treatment providers will utilize community services that provide participants with:

  • SUD treatment
  • Housing
  • Education
  • Job Training
  • Social Services (i.e. DSHS, EBT, WA Insurance)
  • Other services depending on your needs

BMCC works closely with local service providers, treatment agencies, and non-profit organizations to support our participants in making meaningful changes in their lives.

Community courts embrace a variety of government agencies, stakeholders, and community organizations in collaborative efforts to improve the community and public safety.

To follow evidence based practices set in place by the Federal guidelines of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Administrative Office of the Courts—Washington State Courts (AOC) to identify a participant’s risk of reoffending and individual needs.

  • To give participants a voice throughout the community court process. All interactions will work toward participant success.
  • To build a network of community partners, including government and community-based organizations, who are essential to participant success.
  • To utilize appropriate incentives to fully engage participants in their individual recovery plan.

Bellingham Municipal Court
2014 C Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-8150
court@cob.org


North County Public Defense
1720 Iowa Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 684-3062
admin@northcountypd.org

Whatcom County District Court Probation
311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5450
districtcourtprobation@co.whatcom.wa.us

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