35-15-14. Suspension of sentence; probation.

A.  The governing body of any municipality may provide by ordinance that the municipal court may, upon entry of a plea of guilty or judgment of conviction: 

(1) suspend in whole or part the execution of sentence; or 

(2) place the defendant on probation for a period not exceeding one year on terms and conditions the court deems best; or both. The ordinance shall provide that the court may as a condition of probation require the defendant to serve a period of time in volunteer labor to be known as community service. The type of labor and period of service shall be at the sole discretion of the court; provided that any person receiving community service shall be immune from any civil liability other than gross negligence arising out of the community service, and any person who performs community service pursuant to court order or any criminal diversion program shall not be entitled to any wages, shall not be considered an employee for any purpose and shall not be entitled to workmen's compensation, unemployment benefits or any other benefits otherwise provided by law. As used in this paragraph, "community service" means any labor that benefits the public at large or any public, charitable or educational entity or institution. 

B.  The ordinance shall provide that suspension of execution of the sentence or probation, or both, shall be granted only when the municipal judge is satisfied it will serve the ends of justice and of the public, and that the defendant's liability for any fine or other punishment imposed is fully discharged upon successful completion of the terms and conditions of probation. 

  History: 1953 Comp., § 38-1-18, enacted by Laws 1961, ch. 55, § 1; 1987, ch. 56, § 1.