For the non-violent crime offenders, a community service type  probation could be benefit to them and society as whole. As an example, since we have  budget cuts coming, use these people convicted of crimes for community service projects on the weekend. We get to keep our State maintained and they get to stay out of jail. Some communities even make them pay for being able to do that.  It's still the carrot and the stick - as it's either do that or just stay in jail.