Handling Code Violations
A new system for handling fire ordinance violations is underway in Seattle, Wash. Defendants go before a court magistrate for violations and subsequent criminal charges, without the formal confines of a courtroom. The magistrate hearings seldom have witnesses; usually only the fire department enforcement officer, the defendant and the magistrate are present.
The major benefit of this program is the speed in which cases are heard. Also, the magistrate’s hearing is held by appointment and takes only about 15 minutes.
By this system, the magistrate reviews the inspection file prior to the hearing, hears the case and then rules. If the defendant is not satisfied, the case can go before a municipal court judge, or jury. The Seattle Fire Department has found that few cases go this far.
Through the magistrate hearings, solutions can be worked out, giving the defendant more time to make corrections. After a second hearing to check on the defendant’s compliance, if the changes meet department standards, port ions of the fines are suspended.
