What is Restorative Justice?

Washington is notorious for its harsh prison penalties. If Washington were a country rather than a state, it would be one of the world leaders in mass incarceration. This has led to concerns about overcrowding, particularly regarding juvenile inmates. It has also led to concerns regarding the crime rate. Studies have shown that incarceration can potentially increase the likelihood that an individual will continue to commit crimes. This is why Washington has put different diversion programs into place. A diversion program is an alternative to incarceration, which attempts to rehabilitate rather than punish people accused of committing a crime. Since implementing diversion programs, Washington has seen its reoffender rate drop from 34% in 2015 to 22% in 2020.

One diversion program available to people accused of theft is a restorative justice program. Restorative justice is a philosophical approach to the criminal justice system that focuses on reconciliation rather than retribution. When someone is convicted of a crime and sent to prison, the experience is often wholly punitive. This means it serves only to punish the person who was convicted. The needs or desires of the victim or society at large usually do not even come into consideration. Restorative justice focuses on reconciliation with crime victims, making amends, and preventing the accused from committing future crimes. In many cases, restorative justice can be a determining factor in whether someone ever commits another crime. If you or a loved one have been accused of theft in Seattle, it’s vital to consult our law offices for a consultation.

How Do Restorative Justice Programs Work?

Restorative justice programs aim to educate and rehabilitate rather than punish. Their primary purpose is to achieve justice for crime victims while also preventing perpetrators from committing more crimes in the future. A restorative justice program can include multiple components, including but not necessarily limited to:

  • Admitting to the Crime
  • Writing an Apology to the Victim
  • Meeting With the Victim
  • Taking Criminal Diversion Classes
  • Performing Community Service
  • Meeting with Victim Advocates
  • Enrolling in School or Maintaining a Job
  • Completing Probation

These are only a few potential steps in a restorative justice program. It is important to note that restorative justice does not mean someone “gets away” with committing a crime. Through the program, the accused must still make amends to both the victim and society. However, the accused will also have the opportunity to re-enter society without a criminal record and with the tools to avoid committing future crimes.

Why Is a Restorative Justice Program a Good Alternative to Facing Charges?

Some people may want to take their chances facing criminal charges. These individuals may think that a restorative justice program takes too much time and effort or that they can “beat” the charges. This is a potentially big mistake. As of 2025, the prosecutor’s office in King County, where Seattle is based, has a conviction rate of 63%. This means that if someone attempts to “beat” theft charges, they stand a good chance of being found guilty and sent to jail.

If someone is convicted of theft, it remains on their criminal record. This can make it difficult to find and maintain future employment. Many companies are hesitant to employ people who have a criminal history. This is especially true regarding theft. Many businesses are hesitant to place trust in individuals who have stolen in the past. Having served time in prison may also make it challenging to find a place to live or to develop and maintain personal and professional relationships.

Completing a restorative justice program can prevent many of these negative consequences. By completing a restorative justice program, an individual can avoid jail time and more easily transition back into a productive society member. Having completed a restorative justice program can also reflect positively on the individual. A 2021 Harvard study showed that individuals who completed restorative justice programs were 53% less likely to have criminal complaints lodged against them in the future compared to those prosecuted.

How Do I Apply for a Restorative Justice Program?

Not every person accused of theft is necessarily eligible to have the charges dismissed by participating in a restorative justice program. Whether someone qualifies depends on a variety of factors, including the person’s criminal history, the value of the stolen property, the circumstances of the theft, and more.

Generally speaking, those individuals who qualify for restorative justice programs tend to be first-time offenders, juvenile offenders, and individuals arrested for misdemeanor theft. Whether someone is eligible to have charges dismissed by participating in a restorative justice program may vary from case to case and individual to individual. This is why if you or a loved one have been arrested for theft, it’s vital to consult an experienced criminal attorney who can help determine if a restorative justice program is an option.

What Should I Do if I’m Facing Theft Charges?

Everyone makes mistakes. Whether these mistakes come to define us depends on what we do next. A single act of theft should not become a mistake that defines a person’s life. Washington State understands this. That is why restorative justice programs are an option for some individuals charged with theft. However, not everyone is eligible. Requesting that a judge allow someone to participate in a restorative justice program rather than go to trial can be a complex and challenging process. This is why if you or a loved one have been arrested for theft, you should immediately contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC. Kevin Trombold is an experienced defense attorney and public speaker who the National Trial Lawyers Association has recognized as one of the top 100 trial attorneys in the United States. He brings a philosophy of aggressive and assertive defense to every case. He understands the lifelong impact a criminal conviction can have on someone. He fights to keep his clients out of jail and to restore them to their rightful place in society.

An arrest for theft doesn’t have to be the end of someone’s life. It can even be the point at which their life turns around. In order for that to happen, though, they need the right attorney in their corner. If you or a loved one have been arrested for theft, contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC, at 206-590-7667 to schedule your no-obligation consultation. With Kevin Trombold in your corner, a restorative justice program can become the start of a new tomorrow.