Big Changes Coming to Olympia’s Municipal Court? 

According to updates from an April 2025 meeting, Olympia’s City Council is trying to improve public safety while closing a large $11.8 million budget gap. One option the Council is considering is partnering with Thurston County to handle court services. This change could save money and reduce the need for expensive building upgrades.

Olympia’s Community Court previously articulated a focus or mission on treating the defendant as a “whole person,” but it recently shifted to a primary focus of helping people with substance use issues. Since the change, fewer people have joined the program—just 3 participants in early 2025 compared to 78 in 2023. It is unclear how the new changes might impact DUI / DWI cases as well as Domestic Violence cases charged within the City of Olympia. It is unclear if those would be absorbed by Thurston District Court.

The City looked at leasing a commercial building for court operations, but there are concerns that it would cost $7 million just to make the space usable. Now, the Council is looking at switching to county-run court services to cut costs.

Olympia wants a court system that holds people accountable but also gives them support when needed. The Community Court model was originally set up for that purpose. It sounds as though the City leaders need to keep working on possible resolutions. They report that they will work with the community and court staff to make sure any changes are fair and effective. 

If we hear of future potential changes to Olympia cases and prosecutions, we will update you on our blog. Needless to say, it looks like changes are in the works! 

Witt Law Group handles cases in the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County as well as Kitsap County and the nearby cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, and Kingston. We have been successfully defending our clients’ rights for over 20 years. Call to get help today. We are here 7 days a week. (360) 792-1000