What is Community Service?

Cardi B's Case

Cardi B has been given more time to finish the community service that the judge ordered her to perform. The 30-year-old rapper, whose actual name is Belcalis Almánzar Cephus, showed up in court to ask for an extension to complete the service she was given as part of a plea agreement for an incident that happened in a Queens, New York, strip club in 2018.

The Queens District Attorney's Office said the judge gave Cardi till March 1, 2023, to do the 15 hours of community work she was required to complete by the court.

The details of the musician's volunteer work won't be revealed. After she has finished her community service, her legal team will provide the court with documentation of her hours.

Cardi showed up to court in a white turtleneck dress, a fur coat to match, and high heels. "Today I hate everyone, try me tomorrow." ," she tweeted alongside two images of herself wearing white sunglasses as she entered the courtroom.

She entered a guilty plea to second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree assault at the time. Initially, 12 charges, including two felonies, were brought against Cardi. The remaining 10 charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement, and she received a 15-day community service term. She also received a three-year protection order directing her to avoid two victims.

What is Community Service?

A sentencing option or requirement known as "Community Service" places participants in unpaid positions with nonprofit organizations that get tax-exempt funding for a predetermined number of hours over a predetermined length of time.

Community service ordered by the court benefits the community where the person lives, or usually in the county where the crime was alleged to have been committed. It can include anything from helping out at a local charity to teaching music lessons at a local school. Community service is supposed to help people feel connected to their communities and provides them with the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways. It also gives individuals the chance to avoid jail or prison.

Adult male and female offenders who have been ordered by the court to perform their service hours as part of their sentence or as a sanction are under the supervision of the program. The staff manages a local workforce and coordinates job sites. The initiative offers non-profit and governmental organizations a volunteer workforce. The community gains from the work crews' disciplined, satisfying work experience.

The thought is for participants in the Community Service Work Program are able to make amends for whatever harm they may have caused. Court orders for unpaid community service are common.

This program helps:

Ensure public safety

Inspire more community pride.

Regain the community's respect for the person

Create opportunities for the client and the community to connect positively

Participants in the program can choose between three different project components. The following lists the three elements.

Community Work Crews 

At numerous locations throughout the city and county, Work Crews offer daily, weekday chances for community service work. The participant is assigned to the work crew by the probation officer.

Approved Agencies

Participants in community service can complete their required number of hours at approved non-profit organizations located all across the county thanks to approved agencies.

Weekend Projects

Through collaboration with neighborhood groups, churches, and other non-profit organizations, unique Saturday and weekend projects are made available. Participants get an immediate appreciation for the assistance they provide.

To fulfill your community service opportunity requirements, here is a list of available job openings. For more information on community service projects, get in touch with the Community Service Work Coordinator. In Marion County it is Probation-CommunityWork@indy.gov.

Or contact our office if you are facing criminal charges and need assistance with community service. Call 317-667-0718