Alternatives to Jail

Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer

Effective Use of Alternatives to Incarceration

The State of Connecticut provides programs to resolve criminal matters without conviction or jail time. Many of these diversionary programs are designed for first time offenders. At the Law Offices of Robert B. Muchinsky, L.L.C., we advocate for the best interests of our clients including the application of various alternatives to conviction or jail time.

If you are concerned about the potential consequences of criminal charges, call our Hartford law firm. We pursue effective use of alternatives to incarceration. Contact a Hartford criminal defense lawyer at our firm. Various fees apply to these programs. Some Connecticut diversionary options include:

Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

The Alcohol Education Program provides an opportunity for drivers to avoid DUI conviction and the stiff penalties it brings. AEP consists of ten or fifteen classes, as determined by the court. Upon successful completion of the program, the DUI charge is dismissed by the court. Eligibility for AEP depends on the prior record of the offender and whether they have taken a similar program in another state.

Family Violence Education Program

Successful completion of the Family Violence Education Program offers useful information to family members and diversion from conviction in domestic violence cases. For information on this program call our family violence attorney in Hartford, Connecticut.

Youthful Offender

The Youthful Offender Program is available to 16 and 17 year old defendants who have not been convicted of a felony and have not used a similar program in the past. In these cases the youthful defendant may still face incarceration as punishment for his/her offense. The benefit of the Youthful Offender Program is that all cases are heard in a closed courtroom. Records of the case are also closed to the general public. Then, upon reaching 21 years of age, without a subsequent felony conviction, all references to the case are removed from all agency files.

Accelerated Rehabilitation

Generally, only crimes that are classified as D felonies and less are suitable for Accelerated Rehabilitation. A defendant must be found eligible for the program, and then allowed to enter by a judge. The program usually consists of a period of six months to two years. Upon successful completion of the program, the charge will be dismissed.

Community Service Labor Program

The Community Service Labor Program is sometimes an option for people charged with drug crimes. The defendant must have no prior convictions of drug related charges to be considered. If allowed in the program the defendant must perform 14 days of community service and attend drug education classes. Successful completion of the program results in a dismissal of the original charge.

Drug Education Program

If you have a previous drug-related conviction but have not used a diversionary program before, you may qualify for the Drug Education Program. A judge has the discretion to allow or not allow a person into the program. It consists of drug education classes and 4 days of community service. Further drug treatment can be mandated by the agency providing the program. As with other diversionary options, successful completion of the program will result in a dismissal of charges.

For more information on eligibility for various diversionary programs, call the Law Offices of Robert B. Muchinsky, L.L.C. Contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney at our office.