Asked in Criminal Law for Indiana

Q: I was accepted to work release but w covid-19 they aren't taking people I was told to report to jail what can I ask

The judge for because I'm a single sole provider of two kids and also a essential worker...i was granted an extension but are not allowed any more but that was before covid-19 anything I could ask the judge for during this pandemic

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3 Lawyer Answers
Mike Cunningham
Mike Cunningham
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Brookville, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: You should consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. He/she can go over your options and can possibly file motions on your behalf to make sure that you can complete your sentence in a way that you originally bargained for. Depending on the terms of your plea or sentencing order, you may have strong arguments to assure you can serve your sentence and possibly continue working. Good luck!

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Plymouth, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: The pandemic has changed court operations in drastic ways statewide. You should contact the attorney who respresented you at your sentencing to have him or her file a motion for determination of your appropriate placement. There is no precedent for such a pandemic in living memory, so courts are having to "wing it" on a case by case basis. As a former judge, I don't think most judges will punish you for circumstances beyond your control. If you were a good candidate for work release before the outbreak, you should still be a good candidate once this has passed.

K. Aaron Heifner
K. Aaron Heifner
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: Both the previous answers are correct. You need to contact the attorney who represented you in this case or hire a different attorney who works in the court you were sentenced in. That attorney can file the appropriate motion requesting a new result that will keep you working. You should do this on Monday 4-20-2020.

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