Crimes: alternatives to incarceration.

Existing law prescribes punishments, including incarceration, for various criminal offenses. Existing law provides guidelines for sentencing based on these prescribed punishments, including allowing a court to impose the highest term specified when a statute prescribes 3 possible terms of incarceration only if there are circumstances in aggravation. This bill would require a court to consider alternatives to incarceration, including, without limitation, collaborative justice court programs, diversion, restorative justice, and probation. The bill would additionally state that it is the intent of the Legislature that the disposition of any criminal case use the least restrictive means available.