San Diego Homeless Court

Overview

Jurisdiction Level

County

Description

Many homeless individuals are charged with crimes and have outstanding warrants, usually for misdemeanors such as illegal lodging. These individuals may be wary of attending court proceedings or, due to their lack of a permanent address, do not receive notices to appear. Most studies estimate that at least 20-25 percent of the adult homeless population has a mental illness.


The San Diego Homeless Court is a program run by the San Diego Public Defender's Office that brings court proceedings into shelters, where legal issues are disposed of through progressive pleabargaining and alternative sentencing measures. The Homeless Court does not resolve felony cases. Prosecutors and defense attorneys work together to hold court sessions once-a-month. The program works on a four-week schedule.


* week one: participants sign up for a court proceeding

* week two: the court and prosecution prepare cases for the next scheduled hearing

* week three: the defense attorney meets with the participants to review and prepare for the cases

* week four: the court personnel arrive at the shelter and hear the cases


Sentences often involve participation in programs at local shelters or other community services instead of fines or jail-time. Also, shelters can then provide drug counseling, job placement, and access to additional public services (e.g. mental health care).