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What Is the Pierce County Court Resource Center?

by | Jan 23, 2025 | DUI

The Pierce County Court Resource Center (CRC) is designed to help individuals involved in the criminal justice system by offering free and low-cost services to support rehabilitation, compliance with court requirements, and successful reintegration into society.

Many people who step into court every day—whether for a DUI, domestic violence charge, or other criminal matter—don’t realize that this center exists to provide help. Instead of just hoping for the best, you can use these resources to get back on track, strengthen your defense, and show the court that you’re taking steps to improve your situation.


Key Services Available at the Court Resource Center

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Pierce County, you should know about these services, which may help reduce penalties, satisfy court requirements, and prevent future legal trouble.

1. Access to Legal and Court-Ordered Programs

Many cases involve court-ordered requirements such as drug and alcohol assessments, anger management courses, or domestic violence intervention. The CRC provides:

  • Drug and Alcohol Evaluations
  • DUI Victim Impact Panels
  • Anger Management Classes
  • Domestic Violence Treatment Programs
  • Mental Health Support Referrals

If you wait too long to complete these requirements, it could negatively impact your case. Getting ahead of these before a judge orders them can sometimes lead to a more favorable outcome in your case.

2. Housing and Rental Assistance

A criminal charge can make it harder to find housing, especially for military personnel facing career uncertainty or individuals with a prior record. The CRC offers:

  • Housing referrals to transitional housing programs
  • Rental assistance programs for those struggling to keep their home
  • Help for individuals facing eviction due to criminal charges

Stable housing is crucial when facing court proceedings—judges often view housing stability as a positive factor in sentencing decisions.

3. Employment Services and Job Training

Many defendants worry about how their criminal charges will affect their ability to find or keep a job—especially in high-security industries like the military, trucking, or law enforcement. The CRC provides:

  • Resume workshops
  • Job placement programs
  • Training and certifications (including those required for certain jobs)
  • Help restoring professional licenses affected by a criminal charge

For military service members and veterans, there are specific programs aimed at helping transition into civilian careers.

4. Help with Court Fines, Fees, and Warrants

Many people charged with crimes face financial hardship due to:

  • Legal fees
  • Fines imposed by the court
  • Outstanding warrants for missed court dates

The CRC helps people understand their financial obligations and, in some cases, connect with programs to reduce, defer, or pay off fines through community service.

If you have an outstanding warrant because you missed a court date, resolving it quickly is crucial to avoid further legal trouble. The CRC can provide guidance on warrant resolution programs that allow you to take care of it without unexpected arrests.

5. Veteran and Military Support Services

For the many individuals in Pierce, South King, and Thurston counties who serve in the military, the Court Resource Center offers specialized services for active-duty and veteran defendants, including:

  • VA benefit assistance for those struggling with service-related mental health issues
  • Programs tailored to veterans facing legal trouble
  • Military-friendly legal advocacy resources

Many judges take military service into account when determining sentences, and engaging with veteran-specific programs could lead to better case outcomes.

6. Immigration and Documentation Help for Mexican and Latino Defendants

For Mexican-American and Latino defendants, a criminal charge can have serious consequences for immigration status, DACA renewals, or green card applications. The CRC has partnered with immigration attorneys and advocacy groups to help with:

  • Understanding how a criminal charge affects immigration status
  • Expungement options (for eligible offenses)
  • Access to Spanish-speaking legal resources

Even if you’re a U.S. citizen, your family members might not be. If your legal troubles put your family’s security at risk, getting the right help early is essential.


Why You Should Use These Resources

Many people wait too long to seek help, assuming that their lawyer will handle everything. While your defense attorney is critical to fighting the charges, using the resources at the Court Resource Center can help improve your case in the following ways:

Demonstrate responsibility – If you voluntarily enroll in programs before the court orders them, it shows initiative and can positively impact sentencing.
Reduce penalties – Completing education, treatment, or job training programs may help reduce fines, probation length, or even jail time.
Improve legal outcomes – Judges often look favorably on defendants who take steps to address underlying issues like substance abuse, job instability, or mental health struggles.
Protect your future – If your charges put your career, housing, or immigration status at risk, these services can help you minimize the impact.


How to Access the Court Resource Center

The Pierce County Court Resource Center is located directly across the street from the Pierce County/City Building Courthouse at:

📍 925 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
📞 Call (253) 798-7631 for more information
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

You don’t need an appointment—walk-ins are welcome. If you’re facing a criminal charge, or you have a loved one who is, visiting the CRC could be the first step toward a better outcome.


Take Control of Your Case

Being charged with a crime is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Pierce County Court Resource Center is a free, powerful tool that many defendants fail to take advantage of. Whether you need legal help, job support, housing assistance, or guidance on court requirements, this resource exists to help you and your loved ones move forward.

If you need legal representation for a criminal charge in Pierce, South King, or Thurston County, contact Smith & White, PLLC today. Our experienced Tacoma criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.

📞 Call (253) 203-1645 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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