Community service may be ordered by the Judge at the time of your court hearing. Community service may be a part of your sentence, or it may be an alternative to paying a fine based on your financial status.
If you would like to request community service in lieu of paying your fine, you must first ask the Judge at the time of your hearing. You will then be referred to court staff to complete an application to determine your eligibility for community service. Completing an application does not mean automatic acceptance into the program. If you meet the qualifications for the community service program, court staff will meet with you to explain the program requirements, including the number of hours that must be worked and when your hours must be completed. You will be matched with the work site that best fits your experience, your abilities and the work place requirements. Work is available at non-profit, government, and social service agencies. Listed below are agencies where you may be placed to perform your community service hours:
- City of Chehalis
- Visiting Nurses Thrift Stores
- Food Banks
- Salvation Army
- The American Red Cross
Community service work can include litter collection, landscaping, and maintenance work. Work sites may change from day to day depending on the need of the agency. You will be given credit against your outstanding fine for every hour of community service completed. No money is exchanged. Only authorized hours at a pre-approved site will be credited towards your fine. The agency staff will monitor your work and report to the court when you successfully complete your community service hours. Agency staff will also report if you do not complete your hours assigned. If you fail to complete your community service hours as assigned, you may be required to pay the balance of your fine or appear in court for further disposition of your case.
For other questions or information regarding this program, please contact:
Chehalis Municipal Court
350 N Market Blvd Rm 105.
Chehalis, WA 98532-2626
360-345-1025
municourt@ci.chehalis.wa.us
