Substance abuse is taking an increasing toll on the health and safety of our community. The purpose of this chapter is to help those suffering from addiction find a path to treatment through our municipal court system, and to hold accountable those unwilling to seek treatment for the harm caused to our community. If an individual is charged with a crime under this chapter and they comply with their recommended substance use disorder treatment program, their criminal charge will be dismissed, and no conviction will result. If an individual fails to comply with their treatment program and they are later convicted of the charge after being found noncompliant by the court, they will still have the opportunity to have their conviction vacated if they comply with their recommended treatment program. The North Bend city council intends that incarceration be utilized as a sanction only when an individual fails to comply with their recommended treatment program or other conditions imposed by the court.
(Ord. 1796 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)