The range of punishments were called intermediate sanctions. At sentencing, judges may add conditions such as restitution, community service, alcohol or chemical dependency treatment, curfews, or random drug testing. This range of punishments and the courts' delegation of authority to probation officers allow the officers to decrease or increase levels of supervision as the offender's behavior warrants. Confinement in prison or jail always remains a viable option for non-compliance, especially when the offender's actions threaten public safety. These sanctions hold the offender accountable and provide motivation for a change in behavior.
Intermediate punishments restrict the offender's freedom.
Judges may order the offender to pay court costs or restitution to crime victims. The court may also order the offender to attend alcohol or chemical dependency treatment to deal with substance abuse issues, education classes to obtain a GED or job readiness courses to improve employment opportunities. All rights reserved.