Legal Help: Getting Hurt on the Street

If you are accused of a crime, it is vital to understand all the potential consequences. A conviction can result in a prison sentence, although other sentencing options may be available depending on your case's facts. A criminal defense attorney can help you to explore your options and work to secure the best possible outcome in your case. Here are five sentencing alternatives to prison time they'll help you secure. 

Probation

When you're placed on probation, you are released from custody but must meet certain conditions set by the court. These conditions may include regular drug testing, attending counseling or therapy sessions, and meeting with a probation officer regularly. If you fail to meet these conditions, you may be sent to prison. If you don't want to spend time in prison, it's essential to work closely with a lawyer. They'll ensure you understand your probation conditions and comply with them.

Home Detention

Home detention requires you to stay in your home for a set period, usually with an ankle monitor. You may be able to go to work or school but must return home at the end of the day. You will probably have limited visitors and a set curfew. While home detention is technically still a form of incarceration, it is significantly more lenient than being in prison. A lawyer can work to secure home detention as an alternative to prison time for you so you can maintain your current job and support your family.

Work Release

Work release allows you to serve your sentence while still being able to work. You'll typically be released from custody during the day so that you can go to your job and return to custody at night. Work release programs may have other conditions you must comply with, such as regularly attending counseling or therapy sessions or meeting with a probation officer.

Weekend Jail

If your offense is minor, you may be able to serve your sentence on weekends only. This can be a good option if you have a job and a family to take care of during the week. It can also be an excellent way to transition back into society after serving time in jail or prison.

Community Service

If you're sentenced to community service, you'll be required to perform a certain number of hours of unpaid work for a nonprofit organization or public agency. Community service is often seen as a "win-win" sentence because it allows you to avoid prison while benefiting the community.

If you're accused, it's essential to know the alternatives you can secure. These sentencing alternatives will save you from enduring the rigors and hardships of prison life. Contact a criminal defense attorney today to learn more about the sentencing options that may be available in your case.