If A Family Member Is Facing Criminal Charges, Will They Go To Jail?

Even though jail is one of the most commonly thought of sentences, there are many alternatives to jail that a family member can, and might be, sentenced to. 

If A Family Member Is Facing Criminal Charges, Will They Go To Jail? 

The answer to this question is “It depends.”

Some family members may go to jail, depending on the criminal charges that they are facing, the sentence that their lawyer has been able to negotiate for them, and the sentence the court believes is appropriate.

Other family members may not go to jail, depending on the criminal charges that they are facing, the sentence that their lawyer has been able to negotiate for them, and the sentence the court believes is appropriate.

Even though jail is often thought as the “first resort” – and, often, the only resort – for criminal charges of all sorts, it really isn’t.

Rather, there are a wide variety of alternatives to jail that many offenders can be, and often are, sentenced to. These alternatives are often preferable to the family member being sentenced, to that individual’s family, and the state itself as they cost less money than jail.

Just as a general rule, the alternatives outlined below are often for lesser offenses, as opposed to more serious crimes, such as those that involve violence.

Even though the above is true, your family member must speak with a criminal lawyer, so that they can be aware of these alternatives and develop a case that clarifies the validity of these alternatives, as opposed to a jail sentence.

What Are The Alternatives To Jail In The State Of Maryland?

A Fine 

A fine is a sum of money that serves as a penalty for a particular crime.

Sometimes, when a crime isn’t too severe, the judge orders the offender to pay a fine. The fine may be expensive, but paying the fine will allow the offender to stay out of jail. 

Restitution 

Restitution is an amount of money equivalent to the loss that was incurred by an individual’s criminal acts. When restitution is ordered, the offender must pay a certain amount of money to those whom their actions have hurt.

As with a fine, restitution can be, and often is, expensive. But, with that being said, it can keep an offender out of jail, so long as they pay the restitution they’ve been ordered to pay. 

Community Work Service 

Community work service is when an offender is ordered to perform work to serve their community as a penalty for the crimes that they have been found guilty of.

On its own, community work service costs very little. But, the amount of community work service hours an individual may be ordered to pay can vary, and these hours can make things challenging.

Even though the above is true, community work service is almost always preferable to a term in jail. 

Probation 

Probation is a criminal sentence that comes with various restrictions and limitations. But, probation does not occur within a jail cell and, as such, allows an individual to continue working and living, albeit with some restrictions. 

Suspended Sentencing 

Suspended sentencing is when an individual is ordered to spend some time in jail, but this sentence is suspended, so long as the individual goes through a period of probation.  If a person fails to comply with the terms of their probation then they may be ordered to serve some or all of the suspended sentence.

Speak With A Maryland Criminal Lawyer Today 

If you or a family member are facing criminal charges in the State of Maryland, then you must speak with a Bel Air criminal lawyer at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered today. We will assist you in obtaining the best possible sentence.

 Sources:

law.cornell.edu/wex/restitution

law.cornell.edu/wex/probation

law.cornell.edu/wex/suspended_sentence