When someone is convicted of a criminal offense, they may face many different consequences. The penalties associated with a criminal conviction vary based on the type of offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of the offense. In some cases, a criminal defendant may be sentenced to court supervision in lieu of jail time or other harsh penalties.
McHenry County Court Supervision
If you or a loved one were charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor criminal offense in Illinois, court supervision may be an option. Court supervision involves a deferred dismissal of a criminal charge. Essentially, the court waits to enter a conviction and gives the defendant time to complete the supervision period. If the defendant meets all the conditions required by the court and completes the supervision period successfully, the case is dismissed. This means that the defendant does not have a conviction on his or her record.
Charges for domestic battery, second and subsequent DUIs, resisting arrest, and obstructing justice typically do not qualify for court supervision. However, other misdemeanor offenses may be eligible for this option.
If you were charged with a misdemeanor nonviolent offense, court supervision may allow you to avoid having a criminal conviction on your record or spending time in jail. Furthermore, successfully completing supervision usually allows a criminal charge to be expunged. This completely erases the charge from your record so that employers, landlords, and other individuals cannot see the charge.
Conditions of Court Supervision
Receiving court supervision is obviously preferred to a conviction. However, you must complete all of the court’s requirements to reap the benefits of court supervision. These requirements often include:
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Community service
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Abstinence from drugs and alcohol
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Paying court fees
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Periodically appearing in court or before a certain agency or other party
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Participating in substance abuse treatment
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Participating in psychological treatment
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Maintaining employment or attending school
If you are able to do everything that the court asks of you, you can avoid being convicted and facing the criminal penalties associated with the crime. However, failure to complete one or more requirements of court supervision or being arrested for another crime during the supervision period may lead to conviction and possibly jail time.
Contact a Crystal Lake Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one were arrested for a criminal offense, contact our McHenry County criminal defense attorneys for help. Call Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC at 815-338-3838 for a free consultation.
Source:
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/pdf/ResearchReports/Policies_and_Procedures_of_the_Illinois_Criminal_Justice_System_Aug2012.pdf