Community Court Gives Second Chance to Low-Income Residents, Veterans

Описание: The City of Arlington’s innovative Community Court pilot program helps eligible low-income residents and veterans resolve Class C misdemeanor violations by successfully completing alternatives such as community service, education and workforce development, counseling and substance abuse recovery instead of just paying hundreds of dollars in fines.

Launched in March 2024, the four-year, federally funded pilot program focuses on addressing underlying issues, such as financial hardship, homelessness, addiction, or limited job skills, that may have contributed to their trouble with the law. Common Class C violations resolved through Community Court include public intoxication, possessing drug paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license or insurance.

“Most people will just go and pay their fine and they’ll pay the court costs. But for some individuals, that's not a realistic option for them. They simply don't have the funds,” Associate Municipal Judge Danielle Dulaney said. “We try to give those individuals a path forward."

A Different Kind of Court Experience

Participants meet with Judge Dulaney and their case worker in a room inside the Arlington Human Service Center on Sanford Street, not at the Arlington Municipal Court. This deliberate choice aims to reduce the "fear and trepidation" some individuals feel about entering a traditional court setting, Delaney said.

"We have just a table. You sit across from me, and we have a conversation," Dulaney explained. "It’s a completely different feel. We try to be really honest with each other about what Community Court is going to look like, what the expectations are."

The program is supported by two dedicated case managers and numerous community partners, including Goodwill of North Central Texas, Texas Workforce Solutions, Recovery Resource Counseling, and the Arlington Public Library. These partnerships allow the Court to connect participants directly with tailored resources and support.

Alternatives to fines can include:

Completing community service.
Substance abuse counseling and recovery.
Earning a GED or high school diploma.
Completing English as a Second Language classes
Improving job skills to find full-time employment.
Case Manager Mira Ademaj said her hope is that Community Court helps take away the stigma and fear some people have about the court system.

“A lot of people assume just because they didn't take care of their ticket when they were supposed to that they'll show up to the court and get arrested on the spot. But that's not the case,” Ademaj said. “And for people who can't pay, I think telling complete strangers, such as a judge or clerk, that you just don't have the money for it can feel kind of embarrassing and intimidating. But it's not. It's just real life.”

“At the end of the day, we just want people to take care of their citations and not be punished because there's circumstances in their life that kind of keep them away from paying,” Ademaj added.

For more information, please visit www.ArlingtonTX.gov