Increases in crime

Increases in crime

Increases in crime have been met with rise in incarcerations. These detentions have negative effects on the defendant reputation and diminish capacity to work. Imprisonments often lead to overcrowded jails, early release of hard-core convicts, and allocations that inflate government spending. However, focus is shifting on rehabilitation which is a fundamental part of law. Non-custodial sentencing consist of any other form of retribution imposed other than prison time. Alternative sentencing assists in making the penalty fit the offense. These options are not available to everyone but certain standards must be met. Therefore, this paper will discuss alternative sentencing.

Suspended sentence, is prison time put off if accused adheres to certain regulations set by the court, for example probation orders. In suspended sentence, if a judge is persuaded by an officer the defendant breached the condition that led to the suspension of initial offense, the magistrate has jurisdiction to order the accused to serve the original sentence. When put on probation, offenders must follow the conditions set, for example, reporting to the probation officer, obey all laws and not to travel without permission. Failure to follow these regulations may lead to revocation of the probation order.

Offenders who have stable jobs or have the ability to hold a job qualify for work release and weekend jail. Work release takes place when an accused person is released from prison in the morning, and allowed to work during the day; they return to jail after their shift ends. Weekend jail allows the defendant to work during the week and go to jail from Friday to Sunday. Such terms are attractive for respondents who provide for their family. Most of the offenses committed and qualify for work release or weekend jail are non-violent. Defendants only go to their workstations and not allowed to transact any other business.

Fines are submitted to the government, while restitution is money paid by the offender to the victim. Defendants are compelled to return stolen or vandalized goods. Furthermore, injured persons’ are compensated for physical injuries, treatment and burial costs if a person dies. In some instances, society is the target of welfare fraud, the offender is sentenced to pay the government back the money. Restitution can be used as an additional penalty if the crimes are serious.

In situations where the offender abuses drugs or suffers from mental illness, the government may divert jail sentences and recommend rehabilitation of the accused to a treatment facility. When the treatment program is complete, the defendant may avoid prison. Some of these programs involve alcohol and drug treatment, psychiatric therapy and counselling. Drunk drivers may be compelled to install alcohol detectors in their vehicles. Military veterans qualify for these programs to avoid jail terms.

Community service forces the defendant to work for the neighborhood a set number of hours without pay. The community benefits from services such as litter collection and maintenance of public parks. These hours are recorded and report submitted to the judge handling the case. Furthermore, if a person is charged with drunk driving, there may be a specific negotiated service, for example, the offender lecturing drivers on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

House arrest offenders are restricted in their homes and regularly monitored by the government. Monitoring is done electronically and the defendant meets the cost. Therefore it is cheaper for this sentencing, than housing the accused in prison. The defendant wears an ankle bracelet, if it is tampered with, it relays information to relevant authorities. Travel, if allowed is closely monitored and permission granted by the judge or the probation officer in charge.

In conclusion, alternative sentences are not mandatory, consulting a lawyer to know whether you are eligible for this sentence is advised. Lack of this option results in prison time. Violent criminals and perennial offenders are not considered for these programs. These sentences aid governments in reducing unnecessary funding to correctional facilities. Overcrowding of prisons is reduced.