On Saturday, July 15, 2024, a mobile court held at Orchard Baptist Church in Vacaville provided a rare opportunity for homeless individuals to resolve outstanding legal issues. In a community effort led by Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams and local advocates, attendees had the chance to have arrest warrants recalled and misdemeanor cases dismissed, significantly easing their burden.
Abrams expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We just wanted to do a good deed in terms of getting these cases off of the docket.” The event aimed to address the rising number of arrests within the homeless population in Vacaville, where, in July alone, homeless individuals comprised 96 out of 242 arrests booked into the county jail.
Vacaville-based homeless advocate Gail Thompson, who helped organize the event, emphasized the necessity of such services. “This is your opportunity to clear your record and move on without this hanging over your neck,” she advised participants. Many attendees left with letters confirming the dismissal of their cases, a critical step toward regaining stability in their lives.
The event addressed the practical challenges faced by homeless individuals in navigating the legal system. Skip Thomson, a former Solano County Supervisor, highlighted the systemic issues that lead to arrests among the unhoused. He noted, “If you are homeless, you will be arrested,” referring to the increased enforcement of laws following the 2024 Grant’s Pass ruling by the United States Supreme Court. This ruling allowed cities to enforce “anti-camping” ordinances, which many argue disproportionately affect the homeless.
Thomson pointed out that arrests often create a cycle that makes it difficult for homeless individuals to attend court dates. “Public transit can be less than reliable, and living outside makes it hard to keep track of time,” he explained. This situation can lead to additional charges for Failure to Appear, compounding their legal troubles.
The mobile court not only provided legal assistance but also featured a resource fair that offered food, coffee, and essential supplies for pets. Representatives from the Workforce Development Board of Solano County were present to assist attendees in finding employment opportunities. They highlighted the Fair Chance Act, which prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history during the initial hiring process, thereby increasing job prospects for those with records.
Abrams noted the importance of holding the event in a neutral, safe environment. “Having it at a church makes attendees feel safer about using the resources,” she said. This approach helps to foster trust between the homeless population and the legal system, which many view as adversarial.
Despite the positive outcomes of the mobile court, Thompson cautioned that homelessness remains a growing issue in Vacaville, with the number of unhoused individuals rising from approximately 80 three years ago to over 300 today. He called for a reevaluation of current approaches to homelessness, stating, “What we are doing has not been working.”
The event served as a significant step towards addressing the legal challenges faced by the homeless community, providing not only immediate relief but also a chance to build a more constructive relationship with the justice system. Thompson concluded, “It gives them a different look on the judicial system and the justice system. This is not just about clearing a warrant; it’s about creating pathways for a better future.”
