Join the Army or go to Jail

What a story out of. Lockport, NY.

Michael Guerra, 20, was accused of violating a personal protection order. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge: second-degree criminal contempt.

At the hearing, his attorney told the judge that that Guerra wanted to join the Army but couldn't if he was on probation. The judge offered Guerra the chance to follow through - but he had only 30 days to enlist. Failure to do so would land him an arrest and a jail sentence.

Prosecutor Caroline Wojtaszek was doubtful Guerra would actually enlist but said, ``maybe they're the only ones who can whip him into shape.''

Judges cannot order someone to join the Army, but they can (in misdemeanor cases) decline to sentence someone if certain conditions are met.

Tags: Justice