Corrections

1. Corrections    Felony Cases

2. Once the sentence is determined, the next step is the placement of the convicted offender in the jurisdiction of the state or federal correctional system.  Other than fines, the correctional sanctions include probation, incarceration, and community corrections.  The offender may also be required to participate in some form of rehabilitation program.

3. Correctional Sanctions • Probation • Incarceration • Community Service

4. Probation Probation is a correctional alternative to incarceration frequently used with first offenders and those convicted of minor crimes.  Probation is a correctional option that permists offenders to serve their sentences in the community under supervision of the probation department. 

5. Probation, cont. Probation requires that offenders observe specified rules imposed by the judge at sentencing.  Violations of the conditions of probation may result in its repeal by the judge and the imposing of a prison sentence.

6. Incarceration Incarceration means that the offender is locked away from society for a specified time in either a jail or a prison.  Offenders with misdemeanor convictions usually serve their sentence in a jail.  Offenders sentenced to incarceration for more than a year usually serve their sentences in a prison. 

7. Incarceration The main punishment of incarcertion is isolation of the felon from the community.  Visits with family and friends and correspondence are restricted.  Incarcerated offenders undergo close supervision, censorship, and rigid discipline.

8. Community Service Community service programs ease the transition of the offender from prison or jail back into the community.  These community based programs include work release, educational release, and halfway houses.