Platte CARES offers first-time, nonviolent misdemeanor or felony offenders the opportunity to avoid a criminal record if they admit their wrongdoing, perform community service, remain crime- and drug-free, and work or continue their education. A program offered by the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Platte CARES stands for Platte Community Alternative with Restorative and Educational Services.
The goals of Platte CARES are to reduce court caseloads, decrease incarceration, and lower recidivismby intervening with first-time, nonviolent offenders, hopefully diverting most participants from future involvement with the criminal justice system for the rest of their lives. And because we know a misdemeanor or felony record can have adverse consequences for a lifetime, Platte CARES is designed to achieve these goals while participants avoid their first misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction.
After admitting their guilt and with consultation of crime victims, Platte CARES participants avoid charges or convictions by agreeing to complete personalized assignments based on their crimes and backgrounds. Over a period of six months to two years, every participant will perform community service and agree not to commit additional crimes. Participants will be screened for drug and alcohol problems and will be assigned treatment and drug or alcohol testing where needed. They will also be expected to work at a job or continue their education. Participants may complete individual assignments based on the nature of their crimes and their rehabilitative needs. If a participant victimized another person, the participant will be required to make restitution and, when appropriate, engage in a restorative justice program where the participant will meet with and apologize to the victim. Participants who fail to complete their assignments will be expelled from the program, and the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will file the criminal charges originally submitted.
Platte CARES is offered at a fixed cost of $300 for participants, with all fees waived for participants unable to afford the program. The program does not accept participants who are eligible for Platte County’s Drug, DWI, Veterans, or Wellness (Mental Health) Court programs.
The Platte CARES leadership team consists of Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd, Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Justin Kalwei and Sydney Alizadeh, Victim Advocate Tanya Faherty, and Program Coordinator Eric Allen, a former Missouri Probation and Parole Officer. A Community Advisory Board also helps guide Platte CARES.