Oakland Jail Alternatives Attorneys
The prospect of going to jail or prison can be one of the most frightening aspects of a criminal charge. Many California charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment, which can be intimidating. However, in many cases, alternative sentencing options are available.
At The Law Offices of Michael L. Davidson, our San Mateo alternative sentencing attorneys help clients explore all of their options. We always look for opportunities to defeat our clients' criminal charges. When this is not possible, we look for ways to keep them out of jail.
Exploring Options to Avoid a Prison Sentence
There are a number of jail alternatives available under California law. In some cases, these are part of the sentence for someone who has been convicted of a crime. In other cases, they are procedures that can result in dismissals without conviction. They include the following:
- Residential rehabilitation: For an alcohol- or drug-related offense, it may be possible to avoid jail by voluntarily entering a court-approved residential rehab program.
- Electronic monitoring: The use of monitoring devices such as alcohol-sensing SCRAM bracelets is another alternative sentencing option in many substance-related cases.
- Community service: For any criminal offense, in lieu of jail time, the judge may be willing to sentence you to freeway cleanup or other community service.
- Home detention: Though rare, house arrest is an option that is used on a case-by-case basis in some criminal cases as an alternative to jail or prison.
- Deferred judgment: In a drug case, the judge may be willing to defer judgment and eventually dismiss your case if you successfully complete a rehab program.
If you have been charged with a crime, our experienced criminal defense lawyers will help you evaluate all of your options. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 866-719-9678 or 650-288-0483 or send us an e-mail today.
