Participation Eligibility

Participation Eligibility

• Adults charged with eligible property crimes and other drug-related felonies in King County can choose this alternative program. 
• Program eligibility criteria are agreed upon by the KCDDC Executive Committee.
• Eligibility Criteria can be found here. (Español here - update coming soon.)

How to Apply to Transfer a Case into Drug Court

• Individuals whose cases have been filed mainstream may ask (through their defense attorney) to have the case reviewed by a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) for possible transfer to Drug Court.
• Attorneys can request to transfer case(s) into KCDDC by filling out the Transfer Request Form.

Please attach the following to the Transfer Request Form:

• A Drug Court General Release of Information (ROI) signed by the client. (If in need of housing, on the “Housing Placement” line, please write the name, relationship, and phone number for anyone with whom your client plans to reside so Drug Diversion Court Services (DDCS) can verify the housing arrangement.)
• If your client is currently in treatment or has recently completed treatment: please also send a Drug Court Treatment-Specific ROI signed by the client which lists their treatment agency so DDCS can verify information with the provider.

• Next steps after the Transfer Request and ROI(s) have been received:

1. DPA will send defense attorney a Transfer Agreement outlining conditions of transfer. Agreement will need to be signed by the client and returned to DPA.

2. Restitution will be investigated by DPA.

3. A Transfer Hearing will be set by the DPA, to occur in Drug Court. (Drug Court calendars are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the King County Courthouse in Seattle and Fridays at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.)

4. If the client is in custody: a Level of Care assessment (to determine if there is a need for inpatient substance use disorder treatment) will occur after the Transfer Hearing is held.

Note: It may take up to 6 weeks for a transfer hearing to be approved and scheduled.



If you have questions:

For Defense

• Individuals who do not have a public defender assigned and wish to be screened for one can call the Department of Public Defense (DPD) Financial Screening Line at 206-477-9727 or email: DPDScreening@kingcounty.gov 
  
• The Department of Public Defense SCRAP (Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons) Division can be reached at: 206-477-9300 (Seattle office) or 206-477-9200 (Kent office).
  
• Attorney contact information can be found in the Washington State Bar Association Legal Directory.

For Prosecutor

• The KCDDC Prosecutor and Paralegals can be reached by email at: PAODrugCourt@kingcounty.gov. Note that the assigned mainstream DPA must be copied on communications until the transfer is approved.  
  
• The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office can be reached at 206-296-9000.

For Drug Court Services


• The Drug Court Office can be reached at 206-477-0788.

Opting in to Drug Court

Participants are able to try-out the program (including full access to resources) before making a decision about “opting in” or taking their case to the mainstream criminal legal system instead. At opt in, participants sign a Waiver and Agreement as a condition of joining.

• Waiver and Agreement (Pre-Disposition)
• Waiver and Agreement (Post-Disposition)