When most people think of criminal sentences, they think of imprisonment. However, a court can impose different types of penalties depending on the case’s circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history. Here, we will discuss the different types of sentences that a court can impose in the United States.
Fines
A fine is a monetary penalty imposed on an offender. The amount will vary depending on the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history, but it is typically not more than a few thousand dollars. Fines are a common sentence for less serious crimes, as long as the offender is not a serious threat to society.
Probation
A common sentence imposed in place of imprisonment is probation. The defendant is placed on probation for some time and must comply with specific conditions set by the court. Such conditions include meeting with a probation officer, attending counseling or drug treatment, and refraining from criminal activity.
If the defendant violates the terms of probation, they may be subject to further penalties, including imprisonment.
Parole
Parole is a sentence imposed after the defendant has served a period of imprisonment. The defendant is released from prison but is subject to certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a parole officer, refraining from drug use, attending drug-counseling meetings, and obeying the law.
If the offender violates any of the conditions of their parole, they may be required to serve the remainder of their sentence in jail or prison.
Home Detention
This is a sentence handed down by the court in which the offender must serve a portion of their sentence under house arrest. The offender is typically only allowed to leave their home for certain activities such as work, school, or medical appointments.
Similar to parole, if the offender violates the terms of their home detention, they may be required to serve the remainder of their sentence in jail or prison. Home detention typically lasts for a few months.
Electronic Monitoring
Electronic monitoring is a sentence that requires the offender to wear an electronic device that tracks their whereabouts and alerts authorities if the parameters set by the court are broken. The offender must wear the device at all times and stay within a particular area. If the offender violates the conditions of their sentence, they may be required to serve jail or prison time.
Community Service
The court may order a defendant to perform a certain number of hours of service to the community. For example, community service can involve cleaning parks, working at a food bank, or tutoring children. The number of hours of community service will vary depending on the severity of the offense.
Incarceration
Incarceration is a sentence imposed by the court that requires the offender to serve a prison or jail sentence. The offender cannot leave the facility except for court appearances or medical appointments. As a result, the defendant does not have the same freedoms as they would if they were on probation or parole.
If offenders violate the facility’s rules, they may be subject to further penalties, including extended imprisonment. Prison sentences can range from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the offense.
Conclusion
If you have been charged with a crime, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case and the possible sentences you may be facing.
At Daniels, Long & Pinsel, we specialize in felonies, misdemeanors, sex offenses, and DUI cases. We have experience with all types of criminal sentences and can help you determine which one is best for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.