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Audit Reveals Misuse of Alternative Sentencing Program in Pennsylvania

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Sep 11, 2021 | 0 Comments

The legal system has lofty goals, with providing everyone a fair trial and ensuring justice is served among the items that top this list. The legal system attracts many good, honest people who dedicate their lives to carrying out this important work – judges, police officers, and prosecutors among them. However, as anyone who has so much as attempted to pay a speeding ticket can attest, the legal system in our country is also horribly flawed and completely overwhelmed.

Frequently the shortcomings of the criminal justice system can lead to unfair outcomes for the accused. In Pennsylvania, a recent audit revealed judges in Washington County had been routinely misusing a program designed to help defendants who cannot pay court fees and fines. This hints at the incompetence that can, unfortunately, be a factor in the outcomes of many cases – and it is also a major reason anyone caught up in the justice system needs an experienced legal advocate on their side.

Misuse of Alternative Sentencing Program

In Pennsylvania, defendants without financial resources have other options available to them through the Alternative Sentencing Program. When the system works correctly, defendants who cannot afford court fees and fines can complete community service instead. The court must first hold a hearing to determine a defendant's ability to pay, but judges regularly disregard this.

“Judges are waiving penalties, often for defendants who work full-time or have other means of paying for their fees, leaving taxpayers short-changed,” Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor said.

The Alternative Sentencing Program only works when used as intended, and that has not been the case in Washington County. According to DeFoor, an audit showed misuse of the Alternative Sentencing Program caused more than $500,000 in court fees and fines to remain uncollected.

The judges may have good intentions, but their actions offer a glimpse at the general malfeasance and lax policies present at every level in the criminal justice system. These types of slipups can easily catch a defendant off guard – and can also, unfortunately, have a significant impact on the outcome of their case and their future. That's why anyone facing criminal charges in the state of Pennsylvania needs the expert guidance of a skilled and compassionate attorney.

You Need a Strong Defense Attorney on Your Side

If you've been accused of a crime in Pennsylvania, you have a right to counsel. When you're facing criminal charges, it is essential to know your rights – as well as the inner workings of the criminal justice system. The defense attorneys at LLF Law Firm are tenacious in ensuring the interests of the accused are paramount at every step in the process, and they know how to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. It's time to put the LLF Law Firm to work for you. Call 888-535-3686 today.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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