In East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, probation candidates appearing before Judge Fred Crifasi have a special opportunity. Instead of doing a certain number of community hours, they are offered the option of getting vaccinated.
The judge announced in a statement: “Getting vaccinated is a service for the community.” And further: “If a candidate for probation would like to be vaccinated, I can count this performance against the required non-profit work.” The number of hours varies and depends on the circumstances of the case.
Louisiana’s corona cases are rising
The judge offered this alternative earlier this week when the number of cases skyrocketed in Louisiana. During this time, according to the Washington Post around 19,000 cases reported.
Louisiana is currently among the US states with the highest number of daily reported cases per capita in the nation – and one of the lowest vaccination rates.
Vaccination offer voluntary
The defendant’s attorney who received the vaccination offer told the newspaper: “My client had four hours to do community service and the judge offered to get vaccinated instead.”
If the client came back and could show they had been vaccinated, their hours of community service would be credited. The lawyer also says: “The judge made it very clear that this was only an alternative.”
In 60 days, the mandate will appear again in court – with a vaccination card in hand or proof of social hours. (euc)