SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCES

Many cases result in a plea agreement or deal, with the prosecutor and you agreeing to impose a “suspended sentence.” You will typically hear a 30 day or 180 day suspended sentence in misdemeanor cases. You will enter your plea of no contest or guilty, and ask the judge to suspend your sentence. If the judge agrees, he or she will accept the suspended sentence. Remember, no one can promise this deal and it is up to the judge to accept, but typically judges follow the plea agreement or deal.

If the judge accepts your offer, he or she will suspend your sentence for a certain amount of time, sometimes with credit time served. This means that if you do what the judge orders you to do, he or she will not impose the jail sentence. However, if you do not follow orders or get in trouble again and depending on the deal, the judge will impose this suspended sentence because you did not stick to your word and the judge will now sentence you to jail.

If you do what was ordered, such as completing classes, paying your fine and staying out of trouble, the judge will not impose your suspended sentence and eventually close out your case. Remember, judges will impose the suspended sentence if you mess up so listen to the judge and your attorney.

Always seek legal counsel. This does not create an attorney-client relationship.