Can I elect Jail Time or Community Service Instead of Paying a Fine?
A. Generally, the answer is no. The reason is that it costs the government a lot of money to send a person to jail. The government would much rather have you pay, than to pay for you. However, if a fine is not paid on time, the court may impose an increased jail term to satisfy the debt. The courts will give you lots of time to pay whatever fines are required, and in some counties an alternative to paying the fines is community service or sheriffs work program. A defendant can make a request for community service or work program during any court appearance. The court may or may not grant the request.
