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Local court to judge small crimes

Date
December 05, 2011 |
The GW Hatchet
Jacqueline Drayer

Students facing drug charges from the city court might see their cases dismissed if they complete community service, after the opening of a neighborhood-focused courtroom in January.

The DC Superior Court will designate a community court for the Second District – which includes Foggy Bottom – offering an alternative channel to settle low-level, non-violent criminal offenses like public drinking or urination, driving violations, drug charges and prostitution, Judge Russell Canan said Wednesday.

Cases within the community court’s jurisdiction would be considered “quality-of-life” cases that could be resolved through social services and community service, Canan said at a Citizens Advisory Council meeting at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District station. The meetings offer a forum for police officers and residents to discuss safety-related issues.