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LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCING

Community service is a sentencing option that provides many benefits to the court, the participants and our community at large.

WHAT IS COURT-ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE

Courts can sentence individuals to perform community service hours as a condition of community

control (probation), as a sanction or in lieu of financial sanctions such as fines and fees. Community

service is uncompensated work at a non-profit or governmental organization that provides services to the community or its citizens. Agencies must agree to accept the offender; work must be supervised and documented in writing; and within a reasonable distance from an offender’s residence unless

transportation is provided. CCS staff ensure that placements meet these criteria and agency work sites

provide safe and appropriate work assignments so that clients can successfully complete their

community service requirements.

WHY USE COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCING

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  • It provides the court with an option for indigent and low-income offenders unable to pay fines, costs, and fees.

 

  •  It can be used as an effective and immediate sanction.

 

  • It enhances probation by requiring offenders to demonstrate responsible behavior.

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  • It offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive jail time.

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  • ​It is restitution to the community.

 

  • It makes productive use of an offender’s “free time.”

 

  • It is flexible and can be scheduled around an offender’s work, school, or family obligations.

 

  • It exposes offenders to positive role models in their community.

 

  • It encourages empathy to others through service to the community.

 

  • Some clients continue to volunteer at, or have been hired by the agency work site, after completing their community service.

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