Jimmie Jo is homeless and has been labeled by various professionals as borderline developmentally disabled, bipolar and alcoholic. He has a long history of encounters with the law which has resulted in periodic incarceration since he was a teenager. After he attacked another homeless person who, Jimmie Jo said, was trying to steal the shopping cart in which he holds most of his belongings, Jimmie Jo was arrested on a serious assault charge, which could carry a prison sentence.
The prosecutor and the public defender have agreed to reduce the charge to simple assault, which would only carry a maximum penalty of jail time. You are a probation officer, and it's your job to advise a brand new judge as to whether to accept the plea bargain and whether to sentence Jimmie Jo to prison, jail or an alternative.
Explain to this new judge the consequences of each and the advantages and disadvantages of each for Jimmie Jo and recommend a disposition.