Previously, participants were charged a fee of $500 to $700 to enter the program; the new flat fee of $50 reduces the cost by 90 percent or more
VANCOUVER – Effective Aug. 15, the City Attorney’s Office began offering participation in its criminal prosecution diversion program at a reduced price of $50 for qualified community members who have limited financial means.
“The City Attorney’s Office seeks opportunities to lawfully balance inequities that have long existed and repair imperfections in our systems,” said City Attorney Jonathan Young. “This equity-based change helps us avoid criminalizing individuals based on their inability to pay.”
Previously, participants were charged a fee of $500 to $700 to enter the program. The new flat fee of $50 reduces the cost by 90 percent or more and removes financial barriers that may have previously prevented participation based on an inability to pay.
For 20 years, the city has administered a prosecution diversion program that offers participants an alternative to traditional prosecution. If successfully completed, participants have pending criminal charges dismissed and avoid the consequences of a criminal conviction, including jail time and barriers to accessing education, housing and employment opportunities.
“The diversion program has succeeded in allowing thousands of first-time offenders with minimal criminal history an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by participating in treatment, staying crime free, and paying restitution owed to crime victims,” said Young.
Eligible community members are those who have previously qualified or could qualify for the services of a public defender. Individuals who need help determining eligibility for the program can contact Diversion Program Coordinator Debbie Lee at (360) 487-8508 or debbie.lee@cityofvancouver.us.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- OII completes investigation into Clark County Sheriff’s Office use of deadly force in July of 2025
A 77-page OII report on the July 30, 2025 death of Branden Whitcomb now goes to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. - VIDEO: Entrepreneur exodus continues as Washington’s new income tax looms
Venice.ai founder Jesse Proudman says Washington’s new income tax is the final blow driving him and others out of the state. - WA gets $538M in delayed COVID-era payments from FEMA
FEMA is sending $538M to Washington state health departments and hospital systems for COVID-era costs after years of delays. - Opinion: When you’ve lost Christine Gregoire, you’ve lost Washington
Former Gov. Gregoire says Washington’s $80B budget reflects a spending problem, not an income problem. - Letter: Present bridge plan has been in the expensive and unworkable planning stage far too long with no real end in sight
Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues the I-5 Bridge plan doubles costs by including light rail on the span. - Letter: Stop turning gas prices into war propaganda
Camas resident Tony Teso fires back at Jonathan Hines, arguing militarism won’t lower fuel costs for working families. - Letter: Compassion requires accountability
A medical provider and downtown Vancouver resident challenges whether current homelessness policies produce measurable results.
