Are There Other Options Besides Jail If I Was Charged With a Crime?

DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Seek Sentencing Options

The last thing anyone wants is to serve time in jail. Being forced to live in the harsh conditions of a prison, having no freedom of movement, and being afraid for your health, safety, and overall well-being will likely be some of the top reasons why you do not want to go to jail. However, you will also want to avoid disruptions to your life that may result in the loss of your job, prevent you from seeing your children, and limit your future opportunities. Because of these concerns and the other ways your life will be affected, you will want to do everything you can to avoid a jail sentence.

If you have been charged with a crime, there may be alternatives to jail time. Those alternatives depend on the circumstances of your case, but courts in Illinois have begun to recognize the value of focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment in appropriate situations. A skilled criminal defense attorney at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can help you explore your options. We will treat you with compassion, dignity, and respect as we discuss your case, advise you of the options that may be available, and help you create a defense strategy that will protect your rights and your freedom.

Alternative Sentencing Programs

Not everyone who breaks the law is a career criminal, and good people can make bad mistakes from time to time. Sometimes, those mistakes are due, at least in part, to mental health concerns and/or substance abuse issues. Society has begun to recognize that these diseases often affect people through no fault of their own, and those who wish to make improvements to their lives, address concerns that may affect the safety of themselves or others, and avoid criminal activity in the future should be provided with opportunities for rehabilitation rather than focusing on punishing them for their mistakes.

Many county court systems have established unique programs for defendants whose mental health issues may have contributed to the commission of a crime. DuPage County, Kane County, and Cook County all have programs to help such offenders avoid traditional prosecution—which often includes jail time as a penalty—in favor of intensive treatment. Offenders will typically be required to complete various requirements during a period of probation, and this can help them resolve their cases without having criminal convictions on their records.

Similarly, DuPage County, Kane County, Cook County, and other counties throughout Illinois have also established specialized drug courts. Drug abuse has become a national problem of epidemic proportions, and it can be nearly impossible to break the cycle of dependence. Drug courts are designed to allow eligible offenders dealing with addiction to get the help they need. By meeting all requirements of drug treatment programs and completing terms of probation, offenders can avoid criminal convictions, maintain clean records, and ensure that their future opportunities will not be limited.

There are also specialized courts that may be available to military veterans facing mental health, substance abuse, and other issues related to the commission of a crime. Veterans' courts are modeled after the specialty courts described above, but they are customized to address concerns unique to those who have served.

Contact an Experienced Wheaton Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, a skilled attorney can assist you in exploring your options for avoiding jail time and other serious penalties. Contact Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC to discuss your situation today. Call 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation. We serve DuPage County, Kane County, and surrounding areas.