Beginning December 1, 2023, Seattle Municipal Court will reinstate a $3.60 transaction fee for payments made by credit or debit card by phone or via the court’s website to recoup associated payment processing expenses including bank fees. This transaction fee has been suspended since March 2020 to help individuals during… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Municipal Court Assistant Presiding Judge Andrea Chin was recently honored by the Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW) with the Judge of the year award at their annual gala. Judge Chin received this award in recognition of her many accomplishments in the legal community and for her unwavering support and… [ Keep reading ]
On Friday, October 20th, Seattle Municipal Court Probation was honored with one of four Innovating Justice Awards by the Washington State Court’s Board For Judicial Administration. The award is given to individuals or groups who have provided exceptional leadership in helping courts deliver innovative and responsive justice by promoting race equity… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) has developed three explainer videos as additional tools for guiding court-involved individuals through court processes and procedures. At SMC, we understand that receiving a ticket or being summoned to court can be a stressful time, and that court processes may be difficult to navigate. We are… [ Keep reading ]
On August 25, 2023, Presiding Judge Faye R. Chess and Probation Manager Jason Grant discussed successes and insights from the Court’s three-year Probation Evolution Project, which focused on improving client outcomes and addressing disproportionate impacts on women and people of color. Judge Chess and staff then answered questions from the… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle, Wash.– Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) is pleased to announce Josh Sattler has been selected as the next court administrator. As court administrator, Sattler leads the administrative and operational functions of the court. He was appointed by Presiding Judge Faye R. Chess on May 7, 2023, and his appointment was… [ Keep reading ]
By Victoria Moreland, SMC Community Engagement Advisor The Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) recently completed its Probation Evolution Project, implementing a new probation approach that is more empathetic and supportive to probation clients. This new approach departs from the traditional, punitive-based model and focuses on helping clients succeed in rehabilitation and… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) is pleased to announce the completion of the Probation Evolution Project, an effort focused on improving client outcomes and minimizing disproportionate impacts probation has on women and people of color. SMC thanks everyone who participated in focus groups, webinars, and surveys to share their concerns and… [ Keep reading ]
In March 2023, the Seattle Municipal Court (SMC or Court) completed a research report entitled, “Analysis of Seattle Municipal Court Imposed Criminal Fines and Fees.” The report is in response to a Seattle City Council Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) SMC-001-A-002 and a recommendation in a Seattle City Auditor 2021… Filed Under: Equity and Accessibility, Fines and Fees, Racial Equity
This month, Seattle Municipal Court judges voted to eliminate all discretionary fines and fees imposed in criminal cases, representing one step in a court-wide commitment to lessen barriers and increase equity in the legal system. “At a time when people are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognizing that… [ Keep reading ]
