It is never easy to go into a courtroom and have a judge or jury decide your fate. However, you should be aware that going to jail is not the only possible outcome. There are alternative punishments that could allow you to maintain your freedom while also learning from your experiences so you do not end up in trouble again in Pennsylvania.
One such option is intermediate punishment, which according to Beaver County, is a punishment that excludes going to jail but includes intensive supervision. It is not probation or parole, though. There are more guidelines and requirements as part of this type of punishment. Intermediate punishment is often reserved for those without violent crimes or histories. It may occur in a couple of ways.
You may have to report every day in person. This includes also filing your daily schedule with the person who is responsible for overseeing you. This person may check into your activities throughout the day to see if you are following the schedule you reported. If you stray from your schedule, you may be subject to going to jail.
The other option, which you may be more familiar with, is house arrest. You will wear a monitoring device and have your movements severely limited to only a certain area. You may leave your home for approved reasons. If you break the conditions of your house arrest, you may go to jail.
Generally, this option is preferable to going to jail because you can continue to live with your family and even work. It also allows you to get proper treatment if your crime was related to drugs or alcohol. This information is for education and is not legal advice.