Originally Posted by Jim B.

In California counties, indeed, those sentences can be imposed by the Judge, but it is entirely at his discretion, and I am sure he was well aware of that sentencing choice, and chose not to exercise it.

They are known as S.W.A.P. (Sheriff's Work Alternative Program) or, as some would have it, going for the "Golden Broom" award. They take you out there to the site on the Jail bus, and you get a box lunch from jail to eat, (baloney sandwich on white bread, an orange, 1/2 pint of milk and an oatmeal cookie) and porta potties by the side of the road.

I think Paris Hilton wouldn't even last one day on SWAP though. That scene is not exactly the MTV awards, and the cuisine isn't what you get at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Mess up just oncet, on SWAP, and that's even if you are late, and buh-bye, it's bracelets, back on the bus, back to County and you finish your time in lock up. Nothing personal.

Fail to show up even once to SWAP, and you get an instant SWAP no show bench warrant, no bail on the warrant.

Unfortunately, the whole thing turned into a media circus, and as Ernesto has pointed out, there are some real problems in the Jail administration and County Sheriff's administration at the top levels that are in play.