Seattle City Council member defends proposal that would dismiss some misdemeanor crimes

SEATTLE — Seattle City Councilwoman Lisa Herbold on Tuesday stood by her proposed legislation that would allow for the dismissal of some misdemeanor crimes for some offenders.

The proposal would allow for the dismissal of crimes of poverty and it would do so by expanding the definition of duress as a defense against prosecution.

If approved by the full council, defense attorneys could argue in court that a person’s addiction, mental health disorder or poverty level could have influenced their decision to commit a crime.

In those instances, Herbold's legislation would give Seattle Municipal Court judges the ability to dismiss those criminal charges. The offenses that would be covered by the ordinance would include just about any crime below the level of a felony while excluding charges of driving under the influence or domestic violence.... (Read more)

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