Everyone makes a mistake at some point or another. Fortunately, the state of Illinois understands that. Courts are authorized to use alternative methods of sentencing after a person is in trouble with the law. The criminal justice system in the U.S. has been criticized many times for the number of incarcerated people across the country. One of the ways that states attempt to keep their prison population down is by providing alternative options for sentencing nonviolent offenders. Court supervision is a tool that is often used for low-level offenders that allows them to stay out of jail.
Understanding Court Supervision
One of the most lenient sentences you could receive after being convicted of a crime is court supervision. If you are sentenced to court supervision, judgment in your case will be suspended until you have completed your period of supervision, the length of which is determined by the judge. Technically, court supervision is not a conviction, as the criminal proceedings are essentially paused until your period of supervision has been completed.
Requirements for Court Supervision
Much like probation, court supervision also comes with certain requirements that must be met to comply with the program. The main purpose of these requirements is to help facilitate an environment in which the offender can be rehabilitated, rather than to punish him or her. A successful period of court supervision ends with the case being dismissed. No conviction is entered against the offender. If you are sentenced to court supervision, you may have to adhere to requirements such as:
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Abstaining from using drugs and/or alcohol
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Not possessing a firearm
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Attending community service
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Paying the fines and court costs associated with their criminal case
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Submitting to a psychological or substance abuse evaluation and subsequent treatment, if needed
Speak With a McHenry County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a crime, you are likely wondering what the outcome of the situation will be. If you are sentenced to court supervision, chances are you will be able to walk away from this incident without serving jail time. At Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC, we can help you ask the court for supervision for a minor offense you may be facing. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our Crystal Lake, IL criminal defense lawyers, call our office today at 815-338-3838.
Sources:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073000050K5-6-3.1
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/pdf/ResearchReports/Policies_and_Procedures_of_the_Illinois_Criminal_Justice_System_Aug2012.pdf