The Restorative Justice Process

What you need to know

The Restorative Justice Program is survivor centered, free, and available for misdemeanor and low-level felony offenses in Washtenaw County.

If you are going through the Restorative Justice program through the Prosecutor's Office or Courts in Washtenaw County, your case will be placed on hold for up to 18 months - but it can be less dependent upon progress.

The Dispute Resolution Center will prepare the person who was harmed and the person who caused harm for sessions where both people and their identified support persons can openly discuss what brought them there, how to move forward, and be part of the solution(s).

If the process is successful, here's what happens next:

If the restorative justice process is successful for the involved parties and no other charges filed within that 18-month period for any party, charges will be dropped by the Prosecutor's Office or your case will be closed with the court.

If the process is not successful, here's what happens next:

If the restorative justice process is not working for the involved parties, the DRC will close your case from the Restorative Justice Program and refer your case back to the Prosecutor's Office or Court - where you will proceed through the traditional criminal legal system. You never give up your right to due process of the law.