How to Join a Correctional Program for a Petty Theft Charge

Many states and municipalities offer a correctional program as an alternative to prison time and fines if you are convicted of a petty theft charge. Most people join a correctional program in order to continue working while they serve their sentences. These programs are typically only available to first-time or low-risk offenders, though program availability varies from state to state.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Criminal defense lawyer
• Computer with Internet access

1. Consider your prior criminal record. Correctional programs are often reserved for people with little or no prior criminal background and who have full-time employment that would be jeopardized by a prison sentence for their petty theft charges.
2. Investigate community public works programs. Many states, counties and municipalities have positions in these programs available to persons convicted of minor crimes. In most cases, participants receive credit for time spent but are not paid.
3. Ask if you are eligible for house arrest. Home confinement may be an option, and in such cases, the convict is usually permitted to leave his or her home to go to work.
4. Take advantage of job placement and training programs that come with work release arrangements in your jurisdiction.
5. Find out if electronic monitoring is available as an alternative to prison time or home confinement. Electronic monitoring involves affixing an ankle bracelet to a person serving a community correctional program sentence.
6. Consult your attorney. A lawyer will be instrumental in your attempt to join a correctional program. You can retain the services of the same attorney who defended you against your charge or hire a different lawyer.
7. Locate correctional programs you may be eligible to join by contacting the Federal Bureau of Prisons (see Resources below). The bureau's Web site provides an overview of correctional programs available on the federal level. Know that your state or municipality may have different laws or different opportunities for alternative sentencing.
8. Stay abreast of your rights by visiting the American Civil Liberties Union Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the Constitution guarantees you fair and equitable treatment by the justice system.
• Participation in a correctional program does not affect the appearance of a petty theft conviction on your permanent criminal record. Theft or larceny convictions can be grounds on which you could be refused employment, credit or access to some professional licenses.