Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC)
Community courts in North Lawndale, Englewood, and Avondale that practice restorative justice. In peace circles, the person harmed, the person charged, and community members write a collaborative Repair of Harm Agreement. This agreement is a legal document outlining requirements the group feels are necessary to repair the harm caused by the crime committed. The agreement could include requirements such as education, mentoring, job training, drug or mental health assessment. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of the terms of the Repair of Harm Agreement.
Eligibility
- Must be 18-26 years old
- Charged with a non-violent felony or misdemeanor
- Live in North Lawndale, Englewood, or Avondale
- Have a nonviolent criminal history
- Accept responsibility for harm caused
- Both the person charged & the person harmed must be willing to participate in RJCC
Felony Deferred Prosecution Program (Branch 9)
First-time felony offenders may be offered deferred prosecution and participation in a 12-month program focused on education, employment, community service, and payment of restitution to the person harmed for their financial loss. Defendants enter an agreement with the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Branch 9 Court to participate in this program and charges are dismissed upon successful completion of the agreement and repayment of restitution.
Eligibility
- Must have a felony charge
- No prior felony convictions
- No violence, weapons, or DUI charges
- Victim approval
- No violent misdemeanor convictions within the last 10 years
Drug Deferred Prosecution Program (DDPP)
Linkage to community-based services for low-level non-violent drug offenders. Includes a formal substance use disorder assessment. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers.
Eligibility
- Class 4 Charges for 5g or less of a controlled substance
- Class 4 Possession of Cannabis with intent to distribute
Drug Treatment Court (Statute 730 ILCS 166/1)
18-24 months of probation focusing on treatment, housing, education and employment opportunities. Drug court targets high-risk, high-need persons charged with non-violent, felony offenses eligible for probation. Participation may include a period of in-custody treatment. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers.
Eligibility
- Felony charges in Chicago
- Felony or misdemeanor charges in suburbs
- No violent convictions within the past 10 years pursuant to statute requirements
- Demonstrated willingness to participate in a treatment program
- Must have a substance use disorder
Mental Health Treatment Court (Statute 730 ILCS 168/1)
24 months of intensive probation focusing on treatment, medication compliance, housing, and employment opportunities. Mental health court targets high-risk, high-need persons charged with nonviolent offenses that are eligible for probation. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers.
Eligibility
- Felony charge in Chicago
- Felony or misdemeanor charge in suburbs
- No violent convictions within the past 10 years pursuant to statute
- Demonstrated willingness to participate in a treatment program
- Must have a psychiatric diagnosis
Veterans Treatment Court (Statute 730 ILCS 167/1)
24 months of probation focusing on employment, housing, and any necessary treatment. The program’s case managers include federal VA employees. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of program requirements determined by case managers.
Eligibility
- Felony charge in Chicago
- Felony or misdemeanor charge in suburbs
- No violent convictions within the past 10 years pursuant to statute
- Verified military service
- No dishonorable discharge
- Demonstrated willingness to participate in a treatment program
Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED)
SEED is a 13-month pre-plea deferred prosecution program for emerging adults who are charged with Delivery or Intent to Deliver. The program's focus is on providing educational services, cognitive behavioral therapy, and job training and placement. Charges are dismissed upon successful completion of the SEED program.
Eligibility
- Must be 18-26 years old
- Charged with Class 2 or Class 3 Delivery of a Controlled Substance/Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver or Class 3 or Class 4 Delivery of Cannabis/Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver or Class 3 or Class 4 Delivery of Cannabis/Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver
- Have a nonviolent criminal background