What Happens if You Don’t Finish Community Service on Time?

Community service is counted as one of the sentences for minor offenses. It is known as an alternative to incarceration and fines. This kind of sentence aims to rehabilitate offenders, giving them a chance to make a contribution to society while at the same time reflecting on their actions.

What Happens if You Don't Finish Community Service on Time

Talking about community service, while it may sound easy to complete, it is actually not because life can be unpredictable. In this case, it is important to understand the consequences of failing to meet this deadline for everyone who is involved in such programs.

Definition of Community Service Sentence

A community service sentence is defined as an unpaid or volunteer work in the community that is ordered by the court or judge to a defendant at sentencing. This kind of sentence can be structured by the judge so that it can meet the goals of criminal sentencing, which are punishment and rehabilitation.

As the one who orders the community service, a judge or the probation department may give a list of local organizations that offer opportunities for community service to the defendant, including:

    • Animal shelters
    • Homeless shelters
    • Red Cross
    • Food banks or soup kitchens
    • Goodwill
    • Habitat for Humanity

For anyone who is wondering about the rules regarding community service, it may vary from one jurisdiction to another. If there is compensation, community service hours may not be accepted by the court. The same thing may happen if the organization is considered as a for profit one.

Types of Crimes That Get Community Service

Usually, community service is ordered by the judges to the defendants without their consent. It is also often as part of a plea agreement. The ones who are ordered this kind of sentence by the court are usually the first time offenders, those who committed state low-level property crimes, or those who have committed misdemeanors. Aside from that, it is often ordered to juvenile offenders who are not able to pay fines. In addition, it is also possible for someone with a felony to be ordered community service.

Basically, the crimes that usually get community service sentences include petty theft, property crimes, driving under the influence or DUI, and specific fraud cases. As for those with violent offenses, these people usually do not get the chance to participate in this kind of thing to minimize their sentence.

Types of Community Service Sentences

There are several types of community service sentences, including:

    • Condition of a sentence: It is where the defendant is required to finish a certain number of community service hours within a certain time period.
    • Condition of probation: It is where the community service hours are ordered as a condition of probation or supervised release. In this case, the defendant has to complete the community service hours during the period of supervised release or probation.
    • Alternative to incarceration: Sometimes, community service sentences are given as an alternative to jail time. Apart from that, it can also be given as an addition to incarceration time. If that individual fails to complete this order, they should be ready to spend time in jail or prison.
    • Alternative to paying a fine: If a defendant is unable to pay fines or fees, they may be allowed to do community service as an alternative.

Amount of Time for Community Service Sentences

The number of hours of community service given to someone may vary, depending on the certain circumstances of their case. When giving the sentence, the judge always tries their best so that the sentence can meet the goals of criminal sentencing, which are punishment and rehabilitation. Not only that but they also have to consider the other components of the sentence, if any, including probation, fines, restitution, and incarceration.

It is a must for a community service sentence to be reasonable. In other words, the hours imposed should be appropriate, meaning it cannot be excessive. The defendant should be given enough time to complete the sentence and to have time with their loved ones. In case the number of hours given by the judge is unreasonable, the defendant can submit a complaint so that it can be reduced.

Things that Happen If You Don’t Finish Community Service on Time

If someone who has been ordered community service fails to complete it on a certain time, several consequences may arise, such as:

  • Extension of probation

If someone has a valid reason for not completing the hours in time, for example due to getting sick, that individual can ask the court to extend the time so that they will be able to complete the court-ordered community service. In this case, it is possible for the judges to give a one-time extension. Besides, they may also add extra community service hours.

  • Revocation of probation

If someone does not really put effort into completing their community hours and does it without any valid reason, probation can be revoked by the judges. Not only that but also that individual may be sent to jail or prison.

  • Reinstatement of fines and court costs

As mentioned before, community service can be given as an alternative to fines. If this thing is ordered to someone who is unable or fails to pay fines or fees, the judge usually reinstate fines and fees as they fail to complete required community service hours.

  • Contempt and incarceration

If someone who has been ordered community service fails to complete it for no valid reason, an arrest warrant may be released. If that person is proven to contempt the court, they can be thrown to jail and get additional punishments.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, a community service sentence is still part of a criminal conviction and is a very serious matter. That’s why it should be taken seriously. Failure to complete it may lead to harsher sentencing, including a big amount of fine and prison time. In some cases, it may result in an arrest warrant for contempt of court or failure to comply with a court order.

Related Posts