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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2002
| Contact: | Dee
Koester, Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office, Law and Justice Planner, 360-786-5540
x 6248 |
Victim’s
Restitution Program Exceeds One Million Dollar Mark
OLYMPIA -- Friendship,
a private non- profit agency, has collected approximately $1,003,809.00 since
July 1, 1989 in property restitution for victims.
The organization is considered a post -charge Diversion program through
Superior Court.
Friendship Executive
Director, Barbara Miller states the relationship with the Thurston County
Prosecutor’s Office has existed since the 1970’s. The program consists of
a component for completing Community Service Hours and a component for
Restitution to victims.
The Prosecutor’s
office has found this program to be an excellent additional option in the
disposition of criminal cases. It allows a deputy prosecutor to have
discretion to offer someone, with no prior felony history who is accused of
committing a property crime, a chance to make amends with the victim through
full restitution. In addition,
the needs of the community are satisfied by requiring the offender to perform
up to 240 community service hours, to be on monthly supervision for a year,
and to accept responsibility for their actions. The defendant receives the benefit, upon successful
completion of all terms of the program, of a dismissal of all charges.
Friendship also needs volunteers and inquiries
may be directed to Emily Sorenson, Program Manager at 360-357-8021.
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