§ 144.440 Recommendation by sentencing court

When a judge sends someone to prison, the judge can also suggest that the person be allowed to join a work release program instead of staying locked up the whole time. Work release lets a person leave during the day to work a job while still serving their sentence.

This suggestion from the judge is just a recommendation. The Department of Corrections still makes the final call on whether the person actually gets into the work release program. The judge's input can help, but it does not guarantee a spot in the program.

This matters for someone facing sentencing because it means a judge has some power to support their case for work release, even though the decision ultimately rests with the corrections department. If you or someone you know is being sentenced, it can help to ask the court to consider making this kind of recommendation.