Intermediate sanctions are more restrictive then probation but less restrictive then jail time.

These sanctions can be used in separately or in conjunction with probation programs to help alleviate the problem of overcrowded jails by first time offenders while deterring future criminal acts and satisfying the courts. There are five categories of intermediate sanctions there are: fines, community service, restitution, forfeiture, and pre-trial diversion programs. Fine are be used in conjunction with other sentences such as prison time or probation or separately. If a fine is used separately it is believe that the offender is not a threat to society and does not need jail time or probation services. Community service is a program that benefits the entire community by the offender doing volunteer work around community. Restitution is a direct payment to a victim or victims of a crime. Forfeiture refers to the seizure of property used in a crime or any property gained from the criminal action. Pretrial diversion program is an alternative to trial offered by a judge or the prosecutor where the offender obtains counseling or treatment to have the charges withdrawal. There are other alternatives that a court may use as options there are Day reporting services, Intensive supervision probations, shock incarceration, home confinement and electronic monitoring. Day reporting services is a place where offenders go to receive treatment, education, and incapacitation while being supervised. Intensive supervision probations are more restrictive than traditional probation and offers more contact between the offender and the officers supervising them. Shock incarceration is an alternative used mainly for minors to deter the juveniles from future crimes having the offender spend a short time incapacitated in the jails to show the offenders how mental and physical taxing it can be in the prison system. Home confinement is a program when offender is confines to their residence. There are different form and rules associated with the sentencing, but basically the offender is confide and isolated in their homes or residence. Lastly electronic monitoring is where a device is used to keep tract of an offender usually this type of program is used in addition to home confinement. Intermediate sanctions offer an alternative to overcrowded prisons by sentencing offenders of minor crimes with the other options while the offender or offenders still contribute to their communities. I think intermediate sanctions can be an appropriate punishment and good alternative to offenders of minor crimes. In these alternatives offenders can punished accordly to the laws the have broken and retribution is made to the society. This way the courts are not the offenders in a prison system which may be counter productive and taxing on society for housing an offender who could be contributing to society and providing for themselves rather then the system providing for them.