AFTER POINTING OUT THAT MANY CRIMES CALL FOR A SENTENCE MORE SEVERE THAN PROBATION BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS JAIL, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WINONA PROGRAM IS TRACED. AFTER A PLEA OR FINDING OF GUILT FOR A NONVIOLENT MISDEMEANOR, THE CASE IS REFERRED TO THE COURT SERVICES WORKER. THE WORKER EXPLAINS THE PROGRAM TO THE OFFENDER, WHO IS FREE TO ACCEPT TRADITIONAL SENTENCING IF DESIRED. IF THE SELF-SENTENCING PROGRAM IS ACCEPTED, EITHER FINANCIAL RESTITUTION FOR THE VICTIM IS WORKED OUT OR A TERM OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IS IMPOSED. THE TYPES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AVAILABLE AND THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE MADE FOR THE OFFENDER ARE EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED WITH CASE EXAMPLES. THE COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE HAS BEEN POSITIVE, VICTIMS APPRECIATE THE RESTITUTION, AND OFFENDERS FIND THAT THE PUNISHMENT FITS THE CRIME. RESOURCES NEEDED TO START SUCH A PROGRAM ARE SMALL, GENERALLY ONE PERSON TO LOCATE COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED ARE BRIEFLY REVIEWED AND ARE FOUND TO BE SMALL. REFERENCES ARE APPENDED. (GLR)