Module 4 Exercises:
Question 1. Determine if you currently offer alternative sanctions in your jurisdiction.
Does your jurisdiction permit the use of alternative sanctions? If yes, locate the policy, statute, and program guidance.
If yes, review the accepted programs that are currently available for credit as sanction alternatives. As you review the guidance, consider the following:
- What types of programs are permitted? Is there a cost associated with any of the programs?
- Community Service
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Counseling
- Educational and Vocational training credit
- Traffic School
- Behavioral Health services
- Victim Impact Courses
- Are the sanctions relevant to the underlying case types?
- Do judges have discretion to assign the alternative sanction beyond the enumerated categories or list of approved programs?
- Can credit be applied for programs that the defendant is already participating in, such as educational or vocational training?
- Do you provide clear instructions on how to report the completion of required credits?
If your jurisdiction does not permit alternative sanctions, do you know what is available in the community that would support allowing their use?
To start compiling a list, look at who stakeholders in your jurisdiction or nearby jurisdictions are partnering with. Consider specialty and treatment courts, behavioral health treatment centers, the court self-help center or legal-aid community, and pretrial diversion programs as stakeholders who are likely connected to the community and may have insight.
Find at least one program for each of the following categories:
- Community Service
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Counseling
- Educational and Vocational training credit
- Traffic School
- Behavioral Health services
- Victim Impact Courses