A. The judge of the court in imposing a judgment and sentence, at his discretion, is empowered to modify, reduce or suspend or defer the imposition of such sentence or any part thereof and to authorize the person to be released upon his own recognizance for a period not to exceed six (6) months from the date of the sentence, under such terms or conditions as the judge may specify. The judge may, with the consent of the defendant, defer further proceedings, after a verdict, finding or plea of guilty, but before passing a judgment of guilt and imposing a fine, and place the defendant on probation for a period not to exceed six (6) months, under such terms and conditions as prescribed by the court, which may include, but not be limited to, work on the streets, parks or other town owned or maintained projects, with proper supervision.
B. A defendant is not entitled to a deferred sentence if the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony.
C. Upon a finding of the court that the conditions of release have been violated, the municipal judge may enter a judgment of guilty and may cause a warrant to be issued for the defendant.
D. Upon the issuance of the warrant or judgment of guilty being entered, the person shall be delivered forthwith to the place of confinement to which he is sentenced and shall serve out the full term or pay the full fine for which he was originally sentenced as may be directed by the judge.
E. The judge may continue or delay imposing a judgment and sentence for a period of time not to exceed six (6) months from the date of the sentence. At the expiration of such period, the judge may allow the town attorney to amend the charge to a lesser offense.
F. If a deferred sentence is imposed, an administrative fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) may be imposed as costs in the case. The court may make payment of the fee a condition of granting or continuing the imposition of a sentence, if the defendant is able to pay.
G. The court may also require restitution and in the event there was damage done to public or private property during the commission of the offense, the court may require the defendant to repair or replace such damaged property as a condition to a deferred sentence as may be directed by the court. (1998 Code)
Notes
| 1 | 1. 11 OS § 27-123. |