Introduction Alternatives to imprisonment have been explored in recent years due to overcrowding in the prison system. Intermediate sanctions represent one such alternative. Intermediate sanctions have long been used in the United States because of the benefits and options they offer, from saving money to reducing overcrowding, but they do, however, have their unfortunate flaws. There are many intermediate sanctions programs that work, while others lag behind. Intermediate sanctions are an alternative to the expensive prison system, but for what purpose? As an alternative to incarceration, intermediate sanctions are often used for nonviolent offenders. Intermediate sanctions are a new punishment option that was developed to better tailor punishment to the severity of the crime for nonviolent offenders. With this new type of punishment comes a new responsibility for the offender to become an active member of his community (textbook, 131). The primary way offenders achieve this is by learning new job skills and maintaining a stable job (textbook, 131). In addition to job responsibility, violators are sometimes ordered to apply additional sanctions that include payment of any fines, education, or even medical treatment if necessary (textbook, 131). Sometimes delinquents are ordered to do all of these things. Intermediate sanctions can be implemented in several ways. It can be implemented during the arraignment hearing or initial sentencing, after the offender has accepted treatment and shown improvement in compliance, or it can be implemented as a means of reducing the population in the correctional system (textbook, 131). This raises the question of whether intermediate fines… mid-paper… or minor vehicle infringements should be used. These programs have proven to be very effective in other countries such as England because they use this program more as an alternative to prison rather than just a condition. For this reason it is difficult to say whether it is effective in the United States at present. This may just be an implementation issue. Conclusion Overall, intermediate sanctions have proven to be an effective alternative to prison. It is worth considering the benefits of reducing overcrowding, saving costs and giving the offender what they need. Along with that, the options it offers regarding sentencing give prosecutors and judges the ability to choose their outcome for most cases. These programs all prove to be good and valid, except for some programs like bootcamp, but still effective.