Judge offers an alternative to community service sentences: covid-19 vaccination

[sinkingfeeling]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/07/28/baton-rouge-coronavirus-vaccines-community-service/

In East Baton Rouge, some people appearing before Judge Fred Crifasi, of the 19th Judicial District Court, are being afforded the opportunity to get vaccinated in lieu of certain community service hours.

“Getting vaccinated is a service to the community,” Judge Crifasi said in a statement. “So, if a probation candidate is inclined to get vaccinated, I will grant credit for that effort toward any requirement of community service. The amount of hours varies and depends on the person’s circumstances.”

“A judge has a lot of sentencing discretion when it comes to community service,” said Franz Borghardt, a Baton Rouge defense attorney. “It’s an option, not a mandate. If you decide you don’t want it, you don’t have to get it.”

[BeckyDem]

1. Oh I like this judge.

K&R

[SheltieLover]

2. Excellent! 👏👏👏👏

Great idea!!!

[MissMillie]

3. While I applaud the effort to increase vaccination rates...

...I'm not sure I like the idea of a vaccination being a punishment for illegal behavior.

Of course, it IS still optional. Those that refuse the shot pick up trash off the side of the road.

[Wounded Bear]

4. I agree, I think...

[Raven123]

5. What would the judge do if someone before him is already vaccinated?

It’s an honest effort on behalf of the public good, but I don’t agree. Shortening the community service perhaps. He might be right, but he assumes everyone appearing before him will be unvaccinated