One alternative to being jailed is a program called Second Chance.  2005 marked the 10^th anniversary of the Second Chance Program. The Second Chance Program is designed for first time, non-violent offenders, who have the opportunity to keep a conviction from being permanently entered on their record.

The defendant must complete an intake interview with the program coordinator, meet with a panel of citizens from the community, and if accepted, complete the requirements placed upon them by the State's Attorney's Office. The requirements include completing community service hours, obtaining a high school diploma or G.E.D., completing counseling, writing a letter of apology to the victim, paying restitution to the victim, and paying fees to be placed on the Second Chance Program. Upon successful completion of the Second Chance Program, the State's Attorney's Office agrees to dismiss the pending charge(s) against the defendant. If the defendant fails to successfully complete the Second Chance Program, the defendant is terminated from the program and the case is returned to court for prosecution.

To date, the Second Chance Program has proven to be beneficial to the offenders it restores to society, and to the taxpayers it offers financial relief. The Second Chance Program relieves over-crowding in the jail and caseloads in the courtrooms. The continued success of the program relies on support from the criminal justice system and the community. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the case will be dismissed at the final court date.

In 2004-2005 the Second Chance Program screened 301 applicants, had 166 graduates, and 47 negative terminations. To date, 1609 defendants have successfully completed the Second Chance Program and 487 have failed, giving the program a continued overall success rate of 77%. The Second Chance Program continues to be among the most successful rehabilitative programs in Illinois.*

*excerpted from the Second Chance Program year-end report