District Court Successes in the LEAD program, DV and Custody

News by Angela Michelle Downs

PORT TOWNSEND— On Feb 4, 2026, a defendant found relief in a reckless driving case dismissal based on their success in the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) social program, and with another, a glimmer of hope for his relationship with his daughter if he too can maintain sobriety.

“It’s never been my intention to put others in harm,” said a defendant seeking a plea bargain to have their reckless driving case dismissed. He has no prior history and has been in the LEAD program, a Port Townsend law enforcement-based diversion program for intensive case management. He claimed LEAD has been very helpful in his recovery.

His LEAD case manager was present and said, “He is an absolute pleasure to work with.” Any client with LEAD can stay on as long as they need, even if they have successfully completed their court-ordered time. Judge Mindy Walker granted the dismissal with the intention that the defendant voluntarily continue with the program after he returns from visiting family in Florida.

A man pleaded guilty to domestic violence and was charged with one count of assault in the 4th, domestic violence and gross misdemeanor. He has been five months sober since the incident, has new housing on a boat and is staying busy with the boat's many projects and is currently looking for work.

He was also successful in Drug Court, a defendant-volunteer court, offering an alternative to jail and probation through participation in assessment, education, and treatment for nonviolent, drug-addicted defendants. He is working with Believe In Recovery, a treatment program offering intensive outpatient, family programs, and DUI assessments. He is currently on step six. “Congratulations and keep it up,” said Judge Walker.

He is sentenced to Bench probation; unsupervised probation without reporting to a probation officer, 336 days in jail with credits served for 28 days. A pre-sentencing no contact order with the victim, his daughter and his stepdaughter will remain in place.

The defence asked for provisions to the no-contact order regarding gifts to the kids on birthdays and holidays. “I wasn’t in my right mind, and I know it’s because of drugs. I’m feeling much healthier. I’m moving on, but not giving up on my daughter,” said the defendant. The court will assess the provisions of the no-contact order at their next hearing.

“[Judge Walker is] the best judge I’ve been in front of concerning strict following of the law so people don’t walk out with tons of debt," said defense attorney Jack Range. “And [prosecutor] Ashcraft is very creative in finding solutions for people.” 

Both cases had reduced or no fines. Unpaid fines and costs can lead to devastating effects like imprisonment with labor until the debt is paid.