Common Court-Ordered Alternatives to Incarceration

Overcrowded prisons and the realization that many criminal offenders would benefit significantly more from alternatives to imprisonment has significantly changed how courts punish these individuals. Today’s judiciary and criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, but some may think that this goal comes at the cost of true punishment because judges are more likely to order imprisonment alternatives. For example, first offenders and misdemeanor offenders are not often ordered to serve jail time. Incarceration alternatives are any punishments ordered by a judge that do not involve jail or prison time. These are a few common alternatives.

Court-Ordered Classes and Treatment Programs

Domestic violence, petty theft, trespassing, assault, drug possession and other crimes are often punished through court-ordered classes and treatment programs. For example, those with drunk driving and drug offenses are often ordered to complete substance abuse programs. The courts understand that some individuals are trying to work through personal issues, and these offenders may need some help. Counseling, treatment programs and classes, such as court approved domestic violence classes online, help offenders develop coping mechanisms and learn why they commit crimes.

Community Service

Some offenders, such as those who damage others’ property, may be ordered to serve the community through volunteer work. This service may be used as a tool to reduce the fines these individuals are ordered to pay. Community service is often combined with other punishments, such as probation or classes. Many assume that community service includes cleaning up highways and parks, but it may also include working with nonprofit organizations, public agencies or schools. These individuals may also be ordered to speak in public about their offenses and consequences.

Probation

First-time and misdemeanor offenders are often sentenced to supervised or unsupervised probation. Individuals sentenced to probation cannot have associations with criminals, and they cannot own or possess weapons. These individuals also must remain in the state or county.

Supervised probation involves reporting to a probation officer on a regular basis. These offenders will also typically be given curfews and must pass random drug tests. They may be required to secure and maintain employment.

Unsupervised probation requires that convicted offenders stay out of trouble. This means that they are required to obey the law, every law, and cannot be arrested for another crime or their probation may be replaced with incarceration or other harsher penalties.

If you or someone you love faces criminal charges and have jail records on this site, consider asking the judge for alternative treatments, such as court-ordered classes, treatment programs, community service or probation.