Echols v. State

Beasley, Judge.

Emmanuel Echols pled guilty to theft by receiving stolen property (OCGA § 16-8-7) and was sentenced to five years to serve six months. The judge allowed Echols an alternative to serving the six months by “commuting” the six months to time served upon completion of the diversion center program, with the balance of the sentence (four and one-half years) probated. Conditions of probation included that he not violate other criminal laws and that he report to the probation supervisor as directed.1

While at the diversion center, Echols was allowed to leave for work, but he did not…