Lewis County Jail Alternative Sanctions

The Lewis County Alternative Sanctions programs provide a secure and cost effective alternative to full incarceration for offenders who pose a minimal risk to the community yet require close supervision. Alternative Sanctions reduces the cost of correctional supervision and provides an alternate for offenders with special medical needs.

Applying for Alternative Sanctions

If a person is sentenced and the court approves Alternative Sanctions as an alternative to incarceration, the individual should immediately contact the Jail lobby to schedule a screening interview. Each applicant will be required to fill out an application and pay an application fee. Program applicants will be required to pay outstanding debts owed to the Lewis County Jail. Alternative Sanctions Officers will determine eligibility for Alternative Sanctions programs.

Alternative Sanctions Eligibility Requirements

• Offenders must be approved for an Alternative Sanction program by the court system.
• Offenders must reside at a verifiable address within Thurston, Cowlitz or Lewis County. Out-of-county offenders may be accepted if all other conditions are met.
• Offenders must have a working telephone at their residence and agree to maintain the telephone in working order in accordance with the program guidelines during the period of participation.
• Offenders must have or be able to provide written verification of employment, have verifiable income, or have the ability to pay program participation fees.
• Offenders must sign the Alternative Sanctions Agreement and be in compliance with program rules at all times.
• Violent acts committed during the commission of a crime or a known propensity for violence or assaultive behavior may be considered disqualifying factors. Force by compulsion will be considered an act of violence.
• A demonstrated inability to maintain sobriety and/or a record of failed treatment programs may be considered disqualifying factors.
• A pattern of failure to appear for court proceedings and/or court ordered programs will be considered.
• Offenders who are medically unfit to be in Jail but otherwise ineligible for Alternative Sanctions will be considered on a case by case basis. This decision will be based on a medical evaluation performed by the Jail medical staff and Jail Administrator.
• Offenders with outstanding warrants, holds, or probation/parole violations may not be allowed to participate in a program until said warrant is resolved. The issuance of any warrant while on a program will terminate participation immediately.
• Offenders with a recent history of domestic violence will not be eligible.
• Offenders must be sentenced to a minimum of five (5) days.
• Past Probation activity and Probation Officer recommendations may be considered.
• Pre-trial defendants will be reviewed for placement on a case-by-case basis. Pre-trial defendants must meet all of the program participation requirements.
• Persons with a history of re-occurring criminal activity may be denied if staff believes the offender would pose a risk of further criminal activity.
• Substance abusers may be required to attend AA or NA meetings as a condition of placement.
• Offenders should have been convicted of no more than two convictions for crimes of violence. A violent crime is defined by Title 9 RCW 9.94A.030, section 45.
• Offenders convicted of sex offenses are not eligible for programs.
• Offenders assigned to an Alternative Sanctions program are required to sign a waiver giving Law Enforcement and Corrections Staff permission to contact their employer and search their residence at any time.