Most school aged children look forward to Spring Break and always end up feeling the week off of school went by too fast. Some Boulder high school students must have felt that way when they decided to extend their spring break by throwing Molotov cocktails in their high school. Luckily, the school was empty when a security guard smelled smoke and called the police. The officers found broken windows and the Molotov cocktails just inside. These homemade Molotov cocktails caused minimal damage, which was repaired within hours and the school year resumed as planned. While the school did suspend the students involved for 10 days, Boulder police chose not to arrest them. Instead, they were referred to the Boulder Restorative Justice Program.
What is the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Restorative Justice Program?
Boulder County has recognized the traditional criminal justice system is not always the best option for every person. As a complement to this system, the Restorative Justice Program was created. This program was put in place to “provide alternative responses to crime and conflict that encourage healing, accountability, competency and citizen involvement.” They accomplish this by taking referrals from deputies and detectives, the Boulder County DA’s office, courts, and the community. The program works to include anyone affected by the crime like:
- Victims
- Offenders
- Loved Ones
- Supporters
- Community Members
- Law Enforcement Officials
The process works to help offenders take responsibility for their actions, help victims get closure, and work to repair any harm that was caused.
What Is the Restorative Justice Process for an Offender?
After being referred to this program, an offender will have the opportunity to discuss what happened, have contact with the people who were hurt, and work towards healing. Charges stemming from an Assault or a Sex Offense will make a person ineligible for the program, but crimes like Harassment, Theft, and Reckless Endangerment could be handled in the Restorative Justice Program. It is always a choice to participate, but if the courts, DA’s office, or police refer a person, it is probably in their best interest to opt into the program. If a person chooses to opt out, the case will be referred back to the deputy for official charges.
Obviously, avoiding criminal proceedings is ideal when facing charges.
After affirming the offender’s intentions to participate, the program coordinator will call and set up an initial meeting. At this meeting, the person will explain what happened, and will be told about the process and answer any questions. The facilitators will also meet separately with the victims and those affected by the incident. A conference will be scheduled and this is where everyone will meet together in a safe environment where the program organizers will help everyone create a contract. When the program receives the completed contract, the offender will get a letter of completion and the program is complete.
Obviously, avoiding criminal proceedings is ideal when facing charges. Sometimes the best criminal defense attorneys can work out a deal for an alternative sentence, like this program, with the district attorney. That is why it is always in your best interest to have an experienced attorney, like those from the O’Malley Law Office on your side.