In addition, judges have varying degrees of flexibility in interpreting sentencing options for convicted criminals. For 1st and 2nd offenses, in these states and others, some crimes carry mandatory penalties while others allow judges some flexibility within limits set by the legislature . The cost estimates of the punishments varies from probation, which is the least expensive, to prison, which is the costliest. Intensive probation also includes random drug and alcohol tests. Random checks and electronic monitoring are used, as are random alcohol and drug tests.
Some camps offer job-training and other educational opportunities.
Jail is generally used for sentences of one year or less, although this varies around the nation. Offenders are considered for parole release after a percentage of time has been served.