Are There Other Options Besides Jail If I Was Charged With a Crime?
DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Seek Sentencing Options
If you have been charged with a crime, there may be alternatives to jail time. Those alternatives depend on the circumstances of your case, but courts in Illinois have begun to recognize the value of focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment in appropriate situations. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you explore your options.
Not everyone who breaks the law is a career criminal, and good people can make bad mistakes from time to time. Sometimes, those mistakes are due, at least in part, to mental health concerns and/or substance abuse issues.
Many county court systems have established unique programs for defendants whose mental health may have contributed to the commission of a crime. DuPage County, Kane County, and Cook County all have programs to help such offenders avoid traditional prosecution—which often includes jail time as a penalty—in favor of intensive treatment.
Similarly, DuPage County, Kane County, Cook County, and other counties throughout Illinois have also established specialized drug courts. Drug abuse has become a national problem of epidemic proportions, and it can be nearly impossible to break the cycle of dependence. Drug courts are designed to allow eligible offenders dealing with addiction to get the help they need.
There are also specialized courts that may be available to military veterans facing mental health, substance abuse, and other issues related to the commission of a crime. Veterans’ courts are modeled after the specialty courts described above but customized to address concerns unique to those who have served.
Contact an Experienced Wheaton Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, a skilled attorney can assist you in exploring your options for avoiding jail time and other serious penalties. Contact MKFM Law to discuss your situation today. Call 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation. We serve DuPage County, Kane County, and surrounding areas.
