Court supervision is a preferred sentence that allows you to avoid a conviction on your permanent record if you satisfy all the terms or conditions of the sentence.*

If you successfully complete your supervision, your case will be dismissed following the period of supervision.*

Supervision typically lasts for a period of 1 year, but can be for only a few months or up to 2 years.

Supervision is not available for some misdemeanor cases, and may not be an option in all cases, depending on the specific circumstances.

Both types of sentences result in a criminal conviction on your permanent record.*

The case remains opens for a period of time for the completion or monitoring of court ordered conditions.

Fine and/or restitution plus court costs.

Completion of community service hours or Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP).

Jail  (possibly with work release*).

Regular meetings with a probation officer.

Drug testing.

Counseling or other treatment.

Constitutional Challenges:    If the evidence in your case was seized in violation of your Constitutional rights you may be able to have the evidence suppressed (thrown out of court.)*

If the police officer did not have probable cause to arrest you at the time you were arrested, this may also be a basis for having the evidence suppressed.*

Self Defense or Defense of Others: Your actions were reasonable and done to prevent physical harm to yourself or another person

Necessity: Although you broke the law, you did so to prevent a greater harm from occurring

If you are acquitted (found not guilty) or the charges are dismissed, you may be able to petition the Court to expunge or permanently clear your record of the arrest and charges.*

If you successfully complete a sentence of Court Supervision, for some charges, you may also be able to have the Court expunge your records.* 

Generally, to be eligible for expungement, you must not have had a prior conviction or a subsequent arrest or conviction and, in a case where you received Supervision, you must wait 2 to 5 years from the date you completed your Supervision.*