As a criminal defense attorney who practices throughout King County with my office and residence in Auburn, I feel qualified to comment on the recent articles regarding Auburn Municipal Court.

First, Mayor Lewis is quoted as saying that Kent, Renton and Federal Way contract with King County. That is not accurate. All three cities operate their own courts with their own elected Judges and probation departments. Kent operates its own jail, while Renton and Federal Way like Auburn are part of SCORE and as financially obligated to that albatross and its high fees and costs.

Many of my clients who have had the opportunity to stay in SCORE have said they would prefer to be booked in the downtown King County jail or the old Pierce County jail rather than SCORE.

SCORE is new but the limited services available to inmates are appalling. They do not offer a commissary where inmates can purchase soap, deodorant and other toiletries, let alone snacks and food, unless that has changed in the recent past.

Additionally, a person on probation in Auburn is closely monitored by the Auburn Probation Department. The practice in King County District Court when a probationer violates (and the violation is discovered) is to close their probation file and refer the matter to the court, which then sets the matter for a hearing. That hearing is often set 30-60 days out, and accountability for a violation is rarely swift.

Accountability in Auburn Municipal Court is swift, fair and designed to help the defendant become a more productive member of society.

To the Auburn City Council, please do not be lead astray by Mayor Lewis. Leave Auburn Municipal Court, its staff and probation department to do their jobs with the professionalism and service we as citizens have come to expect.

– Virginia M. Amato, attorney at law