Community Service

Judges can sentence defendants to perform unpaid community work called "community service" to repay a debt to society for having committed the offense. The defendant may be required to perform community service in addition to receiving some other form of punishment, such as probation, a fine, or restitution.

Miscellaneous "Alternative Sentences"

There are many different types of "alternative sentences," which can include fairly innovative punishments. Offenders have been required to:

• install breathalyzer devices in their cars so that their cars will not start unless the offender has "clean" breath
• give lectures or teach classes about the dangers of criminal behavior
• attend lectures given by crime victims
• complete a drug or alcohol treatment program
• do weekend jail time, or
• stay at home under "house arrest."

Diversion

Some cases can be "diverted" out of the criminal justice system. Criminal charges are normally dropped when a defendant successfully completes a diversion program. Diversion gives defendants a chance to escape the stigma of a criminal conviction.