Alternative sentencing is when someone who is charged with a drug-related crime is given the opportunity to avoid state incarceration in exchange for going to rehab to get clean from drugs.
Time Duration
Another alternative sentencing option is to participate in an outpatient program a couple of times a week for 18 months (according to California state law). It differs from state to state and case to case. There is no given amount of time by law dictating how long one needs to stay in residential treatment, but it is typically between 6 months and a year.
What Is Diversion
Diversion means the court leaves the case open while the person being charged is in treatment. If treatment is successfully completed, the case may be dismissed.
Causes Of Program Dismissal
The different ways that one cannot successfully complete the program are;
- Using drugs in rehab
- Being asked to leave a rehab facility
- Disobeying rules in a treatment center, etc.
The person who oversees the alternative sentencing clients will notify their individual probation/parole officer.
Objectives Of Alternative Sentencing
- Courts began to reconsider the sentencing of those who kept being charged with drug convictions, then sending them right to prison or jail since the rise and return of the convicted was obvious.
- Rehab gives the convicted and addicted the opportunity to change because it offers specialized programs, which address the meticulous needs of a drug addict and/or gang affiliate.
- Criminals who are convicted of drug-related offenses benefit from alternative sentencing options as opposed to overcrowded prisons and jails.
Types Of Alternative Sentencing
Several alternative sentencing methods are excessively used by community courts instead of punishment. The motive behind it is to address core behavioral and psychological issues. There are numerous types of alternative sentencing that differ from case to case. Some common types of it include
- Community service in which the defendant is liable to dedicate defined unpaid hours for community and public welfare
- A rehabilitation program as an alternative to jail is offered to the defendant, and in case of successful completion, the case may completely be dismissed
- House arrest with electronic monitoring also allows to court to constantly monitor the defendant’s behavior, and he is confined to home for a specified duration
If you know someone who is seeking a diversion program, look up Beit T’Shuvah or drug intervention.