Dozens of protesters arrested by Seattle police may never have to face a judge or go back to jail. 

City Attorney Pete Holmes hopes to steer them into a diversion program, even if they've been accused of theft or a low-level assault.

While some see this as an opportunity, others feel outraged.

For the past couple of weeks a frenzy has gripped the streets of Seattle over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Protesters here have repeatedly clashed with officers.

Arrests for the most serious offenses went to county prosecutors. Lesser crimes are being reviewed by the city attorney’s office and Holmes said Wednesday that he doesn’t think jail time is the best track to pursue.

“If we can help shine a light on what true restorative justice looks like, that's where these cases should go,” Holmes said.

Holmes has received 37 misdemeanor cases so far. Most are for obstructing police but the list includes half a dozen assaults, theft, reckless endangerment and attempted property damage.

Holmes hopes to refer these protesters to Choose 180, a restorative justice program with a proven track record.

“Who in their right mind would not want to go with a program that is showing that 90-plus percent of the participants do not commit another crime,” Holmes said.

However, given the impacts to local businesses from the disruptions and property damage, some civic activists are at a loss.

“People do need to exercise their rights,” said Erika Nagy, a Ballard resident who has advocated for public safety and business causes. “But when we start to infringe and assault other people and there's theft and burglary and destruction of property, that to me has now crossed the line."

Holmes said his prosecutors will look at the merits of each case and also consider the impact on victims before making any decisions.

“Some good will come of this,” Holmes said. “For every burned shop, for every disrupted business, for every injury or property that has been harmed, if we can emerge from this better, stronger and safer, who wouldn't want that outcome?"