do you go to jail at a sentencing hearing. Sometimes the judg
do you go to jail at a sentencing hearing You are extremely fortunate, but fortunate because of the many good things said about you. This usually means fines (on top of what you already owe). If you want to find out about sentencing, you most likely know the court where the proceedings took place, and you might even be able to find the case by docket number because you probably know that as well. Most other offenders are sentenced under the Indeterminate Sentencing Law (ISL) and will serve a term of life with possibility of parole. The consequences of an indictment and possible criminal conviction are severe, as many federal crimes can result in lengthy prison sentences. The prosecutor must show that enough evidence exists to charge the defendant. While it is possible to waive this right, your preliminary hearing must be scheduled within 60 days of the arraignment. After completing a felony sentence, the person ends up with a criminal record, which can have long-lasting effects on a person's future, impacting employment, immigration status, housing, and civil rights. 231 (2012), the Supreme Court held that a federal court has discretion to run the federal sentence concurrently or consecutively to the anticipated state sentence. The proposal would update Arlington's land use. Certain Colorado felonies are considered crimes of violence, which carry a mandatory, enhanced Colorado State Prison term. A hangover is an awful way to start a jail sentence, and if you oversleep because of your overindulgence, the sheriff will be more than happy to roust you from your slumber. Most cases don’t go to trial. … If a person scores between nine and fourteen points, he generally will be designated to serve his sentence in a medium-security prison. And although felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, extraordinary risk class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 18 months of county jail time – six months longer than the minimum felony prison sentence. If you're found guilty of a probation violation, sentencing will occur shortly after the hearing, at which time the court may extend your probation, impose additional probation terms, order you to serve a brief time in jail, or revoke your probation altogether and require you to serve out any remaining time of your original sentence . But, either way, if the judge orders you to prison, you will find yourself going to prison. From a new infraction that violated the law, the individual will need to wait until that matter clears with any additional convictions or sentencing imposed before the hearing takes place. The prosecutor may offer a deal for a reduced … 1 hour ago · Two inmates in the Virginia jail used primitive-made tools to create a hole in the wall of their cell and escape only to be found hours later at an IHOP restaurant in a nearby town, a sheriff said. However, once the judge has formally accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, there is no turning back. It must be … 16 hours ago · “There you go. Bellamy, was sentenced to 37 months in prison after he fraudulently obtained more than $1. That’s how we do it,” Anthony Puma, who pleaded guilty in August, said in Jan. There's no right to a preliminary hearing in a misdemeanor case. 1K views, 99 likes, 67 loves, 167 comments, 107 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Misioneros discípulos de Jesucristo y Maria: Misioneros discípulos de Jesucristo y Maria was live. The man recognizes him and introduces himself as Jim Casy, the preacher in Tom’s church when Tom was a boy. If you have reached the sentencing stage, that means that you have pleaded guilty or were found guilty by a jury or judge. The "three strikes law," MGL c. If you've been convicted of a crime, probation is far preferable to jail time. That memorandum will summarize … You might go jail or prison right then. Being indicted is a terrifying experience for most people. WASHINGTON - Arlington County held a public hearing Saturday morning on its Missing Middle plan, but a final vote will have to wait until Wednesday. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. At that first appearance, not a … This is an incarceration rate of 499 per 100,000 residents. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. MONTGOMERY, Ala. 2 In addition, the court can choose to incarcerate you for non-payment of child support. United States, 566 U. If you or a loved one have been convicted of a crime and face a federal court sentencing of jail or prison, you may be after an appeal. But the judge sentences Ken to six months in jail followed by one year of probation, for a total sentence of a year and a half. A sentencing hearing in a Virginia criminal case occurs after a person has pled guilty or is found guilty at trial. The BOP also classifies prisons into five security levels: (1) … If you do not go straight to prison or jail after a guilty verdict, the officer may place you in custody after your sentencing hearing. Felony cases can include additional dates like an information arraignment or an information hearing. However, various factors, such as aggravating and mitigating circumstances, can affect the length of the . 279, § 25 (a) allows a judge to sentence a defendant to probation. "Should the Legislature decide to do so, it may amend § 25 (a) to bar a judge from imposing probation. During the first stages of the case, you will hire a lawyer. He was ordered to serve 142 years … A federal judge has sentenced Dennis Hastert to 15 months in prison, calling the former House Speaker "a serial child molester" who tried to cover up his abuse with hush money. If an agreement is reached during the status conference, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. How sentences are worked out. The first is the prosecutor’s request and the second is the judge’s … You’re Temporarily Blocked. Download this stock image: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes arrives at the federal courthouse accompanied by her partner Billy Evans, to ask a U. You’re Temporarily Blocked. 16 hours ago · Wright was charged in August 2021 by a Hunt County grand jury on one indictment of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Bill Cosby was sentenced Tuesday to three to 10 years in state prison by a Pennsylvania judge who had designated the comedian a "sexually violent predator . The preliminary hearing is an extremely important step in the criminal justice process, and our criminal lawyers have successfully moved for dismissal of some or all of … Singer Bruno Mars has pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine but has avoided a jail sentence in the US. I wish you could put pictures up but I've just copied it: SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. Then, the defendant will be sentenced, … During the sentencing hearing, the court determines the penalty for the guilty party, which may include a monetary fine, jail time, or a combination of both. Attorneys who specialize in appeals will be able to look at your specific case, analyze it, and explain to you whether bail is … WASHINGTON -- A Florida man has been sentenced to four years and seven months in federal prison for three felony charges related to the insurrection and storming of the U. A sentence of probation can include jail time, but it is often an alternative to a jail or prison sentence. ’ Green was sentenced to 276 hours of community service and given a 12-month probation order. to discover that Fine preyed on her daughter by posing as a girl “doing horrific things and asking our daughter to do . Meanwhile, the judge, who has been twiddling her thumbs for the last two hours, has been put into a sour mood. An indictment ( / ɪnˈdaɪtmənt / [1] in-DYTE-mənt) is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. See what happens at a plea hearing on the judge’s end: … 2. Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley will remain in the Oakland County Jail and his sentencing hearing was tentatively scheduled for June 2 at a virtual hearing Friday morning . Only about 5% of all cases will be tried in court, and the other 95% will end in a plea deal. Sentences are typically determined by a judge, in a separate hearing, after the jury (or other finder of fact) has issued findings of fact and a guilty verdict. For felonies -- after your arraignment -- your case may be set for a status conference to discuss the … The preliminary hearing is an extremely important step in the criminal justice process, and our criminal lawyers have successfully moved for dismissal of some or all of the charges in countless cases. On May 25, 2022, Judge Brooks sentenced Josh Duggar, 34, to 151 months in prison (roughly 12. If you are guilty of a crime, … What Happens in a Felony Case. Sentencing happens at a completely separate hearing after the trial is over. Defendants accused of serious offenses, or who have criminal records or a history of not returning to court as required, are either held in jail or released after posting a cash bond. 19 hours ago · A judge is holding a new sentencing hearing Tuesday for a man who was convicted of felony murder when a police officer killed his friend during a reported shootout. A parole board, on the other hand, grants parole to a prison inmate. Some states require arraignments only in felony cases. A judge orders probation during sentencing. 12. Whether it's available as a sentencing option will depend on the particular offense and your state's laws. 1 hour ago · Two inmates in the Virginia jail used primitive-made tools to create a hole in the wall of their cell and escape only to be found hours later at an IHOP restaurant in a nearby town, a sheriff said. 1 hour ago · A preliminary investigation found the men exploited a weakness in the jail's construction design and used tools made from a toothbrush and a metal object to access rebars between the walls — and. They will also consider what other programs each prison offers. In most cases, a person will face a sentencing hearing within a few months of pleading guilty. Whether you go straight to prison or jail after a conviction depends on your case. The choice of consequence will depend on the seriousness of the violations and the offender's criminal history and any history of prior violations. Continuing on, he notices a tattered man sitting under a tree. — A Monterey County Superior Court judge on Friday sentenced Paul Flores to 25 years to life in state prison for killing California Polytechnic State University student . In some cases after the … 1 hour ago · A preliminary investigation found the men exploited a weakness in the jail's construction design and used tools made from a toothbrush and a metal object to access rebars between the walls — and. Montgomery County Correctional Facility. The sentence for any of these crimes can be tacked on to the sentence imposed for the underlying offense. After a three-day trial, jurors found Wright guilty and handed down a 45-year prison sentence. —swirling in . Other penalties include fines, assessments, forfeiture, restitution, and irreparable reputational harm. Offenders serving determinate sentences may become eligible for a parole suitability hearing prior to their release date if they meet certain criteria. 11 hours ago · Anthony Puma, who recorded himself with a GoPro jumping through a broken window to storm the U. See what happens at a plea hearing on the judge’s end: … If you accept a plea agreement, a judge will sentence you without a trial and without a chance to change your mind. As Tom plods along the dusty road, he notices a turtle. But how do you … From a new infraction that violated the law, the individual will need to wait until that matter clears with any additional convictions or sentencing imposed before the hearing takes place. He will also have to pay fines totaling $50,100 and faces 20 years of probation after he's released. 16 hours ago · “There you go. 1 hour ago · Two inmates in the Virginia jail used primitive-made tools to create a hole in the wall of their cell and escape only to be found hours later at an IHOP restaurant in a … You’re Temporarily Blocked. g. The Grammy winner made a brief appearance in a Las Vegas courtroom where a judge agreed to a plea deal. Roy Kirk was just 21-years-old when he met Bronson for the first time back . 1 The hearingis held before a judge. Penalties could include: Once the deal is worked out, the prosecution and defense will arrange a court hearing and inform the judge about the agreement. Officials will consider the security and supervision that the prison officers. State law often restricts persons convicted of . " Felony record. If you have 22 points or less and you are being sentenced to a third degree felony, in order to send you to prison, the judge must make written findings that a non-state prison sanction may present a danger to the community. Sentencing Alternatives to Prison or Jail Judges have multiple sentencing options at their disposal. An important point to remember is that at any point during the hearing, except at the end, the defendant has an absolute right to withdraw the guilty plea and choose to move forward with a trial. That lawyer will request a discovery – police reports, videos, anything that the police have or the state has which they are going to use against you, and the attorney will go over it with . Conspiracy An agreement by two or more people to commit an unlawful act. 1 hour ago · Two inmates in the Virginia jail used primitive-made tools to create a hole in the wall of their cell and escape only to be found hours later at an IHOP restaurant in a nearby town, a sheriff said. In conclusion, the length of time a person goes to jail for murdering someone depends on the nature of the crime and the state’s laws. Jail can be ordered in both a remedial or punitive contempt situation. The defendant’s counsel will have good advice on what to say at this point in the sentencing hearing. CONCLUSION. Summary: Chapter 4. Wright was arrested on Sept, 1, 2021 by the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office. In a punitive situation, the court can order up to 180 days in jail upon a finding of contempt. ”) See Fed. To prepare for sentencing, the defense attorney will prepare a memorandum. If a sentence of imprisonment is Unfortunately, there is no requirement that your sentencing hearing be held without a certain amount of time. As of June 2018, it has … Just because a statute classifies a crime as a felony and it carries the possibility of a prison sentence doesn't mean that every convicted felon will go to prison. Florida Jail Records - If you are looking for a way to find out more about someone you know then our site is worth checking out. The parole board then sets the actual date of prison release, as well as the rules that the parolee must follow when released. The first is the prosecutor’s request and the second is the judge’s final decision. " CONCLUSION. A jury convicts Ken of simple battery, a misdemeanor in his state. The court's job is not to find the defendant guilty or not guilty. A sentence for a conviction that a court orders a defendant to serve only after he has discharged a sentence for a different conviction A sentence may be fully or partially consecutive. A misdemeanor is punishable by no more than a one-year sentence, in jail or on probation. Jail Sentence and Fines. This may happen at a special hearing if the defendant is in custody, but otherwise the plea probably will go on the record at the next scheduled hearing. In most cases, the “prelim” is the first opportunity for our criminal defense lawyers to challenge the evidence and charges against you. 20 hours ago · The grand jury hearing evidence against former President Donald Trump is set to reconvene Wednesday with no indictment expected today. Sometimes, the sentence is … 0:03. To get inmates information, you will have to visit the Florida Department of Correctional Facilities website. 6 video captured by his GoPro. Defendants have a legal right to a preliminary hearing within 10 days of their initial arraignment. 3 (c) requires that, if the anticipated term of imprisonment is for an conviction based on criminal conduct is relevant . Example of Appealing a Sentence. The judge considers the matter. It must be held within 14 days of the initial appearance if the defendant is being held in jail. Uganda passes bill imposing up to 10-year prison sentence for same-sex relations Police ID woman's body found in trash container in southeast DC 19-year-old sentenced to 30 months in prison for . to pay a $50,000 fine and special assessments of $45,000 that will go into a fund for victims and prevention programs. I was on YouTube shorts and came across one where a couple had decided to go on holiday without their children. Other times, the court may release you until … 19 hours ago · A judge is holding a new sentencing hearing Tuesday for a man who was convicted of felony murder when a police officer killed his friend during a reported shootout. At the time of sentence, the Judge will also order the defendant to serve a term of community supervision following the prison term. These secondary effects are often referred to as "collateral consequences. In some cases, after the sentencing hearing, the defendant will immediately be taken into custody and taken to jail. The amount will then be determined during a restitution hearing. When deciding on . In a felony court, you are going to be coming back in at least 30 days. When Do You Go to Jail After Sentencing? If you have been sentenced to incarceration after a conviction, you will end up going to jail. Under Arizona's "truth in sentencing" laws, enacted in 1994, convicted defendants must serve at least 85% of any prison sentence imposed, unless the defendant is convicted of an offense which prohibits early release. Instead, the judge's role is to determine whether there is enough evidence for the charges to proceed to the Court of Common Pleas for trial. A date is set for a status conference and preliminary hearing. Court records indicated the offense (s) named in the . Preliminary hearings are not always required, and the defendant can choose to waive it. In addition to the probation, Duggar will not be allowed to have unsupervised visitation with children nor will he be . . This part of the handbook is … On a misdemeanor case, if you’re in District court, the first thing that’s going to happen is you're going to jail and will be brought up in-front of a judge to set bond this will happen relatively quickly, usually within 48 hours. S. Your sentencing hearing is where the judge decides how long you will … Clayton Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison For Soliciting Child Pornography from 11-year-old. Probation allows a person to remain in the community while having to comply with certain conditions. m. 1 hour ago · The minimum sentence he could receive is 40 years in prison with the possible review of his sentence after 25 years. When a conviction is entered, there is a process to determine a . The sentencing hearing is expected to last at … A few months after the defendant is found guilty, they return to court to be sentenced. If the score is higher than fifteen … A sentencing hearing is where the court orders the guilty party’s penalty, such as a monetary fine, jail time, or a combination of both. This report is prepared by the United States Probation Office. Depending on the criminal charges, sentencing may include jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties. The prosecutor can request that you be remade into custody as part of the terms of your plea deal. A judge can impose a jail sentence or fines if you are found guilty of failure to appear, bail jumping, or contempt of court. How Federal Sentencing Works The government’s goal in a trial is to obtain a conviction, whether through a plea deal or a guilty verdict in trial. Then, the defendant will be sentenced, either at the same time (which is typical in some less serious cases) or at a later sentencing hearing. This hearing will be held at the federal courthouse where … Once in custody, you may have to stay in jail until a hearing on your failure to appear. 6, was sentenced to 9 months in prison on … At a federal sentencing hearing, a judge determines the penalties or punishment for your crime. Wrathell, who scheduled Woodruff to be sentenced at 1:30 p. If it’s a low-level offense with no expected criminal history, then they can just run a short criminal history instead of doing a full pre-sentence report. It is very unlikely that you would go to jail at the preliminary hearing. 0:03. The sentencing hearing is expected to last at least two days and the judge . one-third of the minimum sentence, or one-third of the high end of a sentence). One of the final stages of a criminal trial is sentencing. You might go jail or prison right then. 2 When the Court Rules for Incarceration Before imposing the sentence, the court must permit the defendant to speak (or “allocute. R. If you have less than 44 points you still can be sentenced to prison, but it is not mandatory. Sentencing can work in different ways depending on the seriousness of the offense, the class of … Uganda passes bill imposing up to 10-year prison sentence for same-sex relations Police ID woman's body found in trash container in southeast DC 19-year-old sentenced to 30 months in prison for . 5 years), according to The Sun. But how do you … 0:03. Some states require arraignments in all felony and misdemeanor cases—basically, any case in which the defendant faces possible incarceration, whether in jail or prison. 2. 32(i)(4). The judge receives guidance and assistance from several sources in order to sentence a … 19 hours ago · A judge is holding a new sentencing hearing Tuesday for a man who was convicted of felony murder when a police officer killed his friend during a reported … 1 hour ago · The minimum sentence he could receive is 40 years in prison with the possible review of his sentence after 25 years. Or the court might release you until a sentencing hearing. The amount of time is up to the judge and there are judges out there who will not hesitate to impose a … 2. What Is an Arraignment? What we know. Pro. In many other cases, if a defendant is found guilty and sentenced to jail at a hearing in the felony or misdemeanor court, they will be taken to jail … Uganda passes bill imposing up to 10-year prison sentence for same-sex relations Police ID woman's body found in trash container in southeast DC 19-year-old sentenced to 30 months in prison for . Crim. The comments were absolutely insane but this one in particular just stunned me. 1 day ago · Given the magnitude of all this, you presumably have roughly 130,000 questions—about how we got here, about what happens next, about whether or not Trump is going to prison, etc. Individuals sentenced to probation are almost always subject to certain terms or … 1 hour ago · A preliminary investigation found the men exploited a weakness in the jail's construction design and used tools made from a toothbrush and a metal object to access rebars between the walls — and. After you get through that and hire a lawyer that’s when your case is really going to start. The 25-year-old was arrested in September in a bathroom at the city’s Hard Rock Hotel with a bag of cocaine. Ultimately, the judge will decide whether to impose jail time, fines, or other penalties. WASHINGTON — A Trump supporter who was recording with a GoPro strapped to his helmet when he jumped through a broken window to storm the U. If you're facing criminal charges, don't waste any time before contacting a local criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision served in the community. Sometimes, an officer may immediately put you in handcuffs in the courtroom. In the event that some form of the deal is accepted, the judge will hear the plea in open court and sentence the defendant. Last month, a former New York Jets wide receiver, Joshua J. 2 million through the Paycheck Protection . The government’s goal in a trial is to obtain a conviction, whether through a plea deal or a guilty verdict in trial. Any offense punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year is called a felony. If the judge finds that you understand and accept the terms of the plea agreement, the case will proceed to sentencing. However, there may be other consequences of a guilty plea that you did not consider, including: 20 hours ago · The grand jury hearing evidence against former President Donald Trump is set to reconvene Wednesday with no indictment expected today. 3:26. Simply visit the court clerk and … From a new infraction that violated the law, the individual will need to wait until that matter clears with any additional convictions or sentencing imposed before the hearing takes place. But in most cases, the judge wants a . He picks it up, wraps it in his coat, and takes it with him. Casy says that he baptized Tom, but . Former President Donald Trump predicted Saturday morning that he will be arrested next Tuesday for his role in making an alleged $130,000 hush money payment to an adult film actress . People detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) are held in the ICC's detention centre, which is located within a Dutch prison in Scheveningen, The Hague. Right through the f------ window. A defendant's first appearance in court often happens at a hearing called an arraignment. Felonies are the most serious crimes. The ICC was established in 2002 as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. van Rooyen has sentenced Marco Antonio Navabarrera (10/25/75) of San Jose, California, to the maximum punishment for his conviction of eight crimes of sexual abuse of two child victims between 2015 and 2019. 6, 2021. At the sentencing hearing, a federal judge considers many factors, such as the type of offense, circumstances of the crime, prior criminal records, and other mitigating factors. Occasionally, you can get an expedited sentencing within a couple of weeks. First-degree murder carries the most severe punishment, while manslaughter carries the least severe. These probation … 1 day ago · Given the magnitude of all this, you presumably have roughly 130,000 questions—about how we got here, about what happens next, about whether or not Trump is going to prison, etc. When a person is found to have committed a parole violation, the court, parole board, or other hearing authority has the option of imposing various penalties. Y: Bondmen in Hot water 16 hours ago · “There you go. Contact the Records Center. The former president said last weekend he expected to be . However, if he or she violated probation in another manner, the hearing will occur when the courts deem it most practical. . A judge may listen to and consider sentencing recommendations from a victim when making a sentencing decision. Not all … Before imposing the sentence, the court must permit the defendant to speak (or “allocute. Probation is a Court ordered sanction imposed upon a criminal defendant in place of jail or prison time. 11 And regardless of whether the exact amounts of victim restitution amount is set at the sentencing hearing or later at a restitution hearing, if the victim discovers additional losses after the restitution order is made, it can be amended as appropriate. While the judge can impose any sentence authorized by law, most judges accept the prosecutor’s … A probation violation hearingis a legal proceeding that probationers must attend if they violate their terms of probation. If you are found guilty of a crime, your sentence will depend on a number of factors, including the type, seriousness and circumstances of the crime. Sentencing. Assuming the judge accepts the deal or suggests changes that are satisfactory to both sides, the judge will hear the guilty or no contest plea in open court so that it becomes part of the record. You might be surprised by how much discretion a judge has over the length and type of your sentence. If a sentence of imprisonment is 755 views, 4 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Christian News T. The former president … In Setser v. Capitol on Jan. This means going to jail, and it's the most serious consequence the courts use to enforce child support payments. The time between conviction and sentencing is most often used in the preparation of a pre-sentence investigation report. During the sentencing hearing, the court determines the penalty for the guilty party, which may include a monetary fine, jail time, or a combination of both. In jurisdictions that use the concept of felonies, the most serious criminal offense is a felony; jurisdictions that do not use the felonies concept often use that of an indictable offense, an offense that requires an indictment. The legislature generally sets a short, mandatory minimum sentence that an offender must spend in prison (e. However, USSG §5G1. 1 day ago · A former prison officer who previously looked after Charles Bronson has said he hopes the infamous convict gets released. Generally speaking, however, there are two things that can lead to the possibility of going to jail at a plea hearing. For less serious or first-time felonies, the judge can usually sentence a person to either jail time or probation, instead of prison. Now, let’s move on and . on May 3, noted after revoking Woodruff’s $1 million bond, “Obviously, you can expect to go to prison when you’re sentenced, but due to the reduction of charges, I really don’t have the ability to provide what you probably deserve in this case. How Federal Sentencing Works. After you’re revoked, the court will simply determine a date and time that works for all parties, and you’ll be returned to court for sentencing. -- LaKeith . 11 hours ago · NBC News - “There you go. However, when you go to jail depends on your situation. Sometimes the judge may require the probationer to admit to having violated the conditions of probation and hold off sentencing to allow the probationer time to prove to the judge they are serious about abiding by the court’s conditions. Parenthood is a prison sentence apparently. A federal sentence can range from probation to months or years in federal prison. Perhaps the most foolproof option is to request the information directly from the court in question. Using a wheelchair, Hastert, 74, told the court he was "deeply ashamed" that he "mistreated" students while he worked as a school coach in the 1970s. Criminal sentences can include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution (victim compensation), community service, diversion, or a combination of these options. Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley will remain in the Oakland County Jail and his sentencing hearing was tentatively scheduled for June 2 … District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Craig B. Do you go to prison immediately after sentencing? A defendant who has been given a sentence of jail time often wonders whether or not they will be taken to jail … Assuming the judge accepts the deal or suggests changes that are satisfactory to both sides, the judge will hear the guilty or no contest plea in open court so that it becomes part of the record. The prosecutors and the courts handle felony cases differently from misdemeanor cases (cases that have shorter possible sentences). In a criminal case, if the defendant is convicted, the judge will set a date for sentencing. judge at a hearing to pause her prison sentence of more than 11 years while she urges an appeals court to review her conviction on charges of defrauding investors in the blood testing … 0:03. That does not improve your odds. In New York, as in many other states, probation is an alternative to incarceration in criminal sentencing.