MARQUETTE, MI— Marquette County is taking part in a pilot “jobs court” program.
Announced by state officials Wednesday, it would give eligible defendants accused of low-level, nonviolent crimes an opportunity to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
The program is part of the larger MI Safe Communities framework. $5.5 million will be used to establish jobs courts in Marquette, Genesee, and Wayne counties, allowing up to 450 defendants to be matched with employers to work good-paying jobs with benefits and training. They’ll be eligible for wraparound services like mental healthcare, transportation to and from work, and access to a social worker.
Prosecutors will be offered the option to dismiss charges against Jobs Court participants who successfully complete the one-year program.
