A pilot program that allows criminal suspects to avoid court by performing community service is being tested in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province.

Wang Zuo (left), who was charged with killing a woman while driving a truck, is now a voluntary traffic police assistant in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo: China Daily]

The unique program, the first in China, has exempted 13 defendants from sentencing since May.

"If the criminal suspect doesn't behave well enough, we will extend the observation period," said Li Zhong, chief prosecutor of the Beilun district procuratorate in Ningbo. "But the period will still be within the time limit for proceeding with the case in court."

Under the program, a prosecutor agrees to grant amnesty if the defendant is able to complete certain voluntary work assigned by the procuratorate.

The defendants have special social workers observe them, and if the suspect fails to carry out the conditions properly the case will continue to prosecution in court.

However, the system can only be applied under strict conditions, Li said.

It only applies to first-time offenders charged with minor crimes, or offenders who committed unintentional crimes, or among special groups including juveniles, students, elderly people, disabled people and pregnant women.

The new system covers not only Ningbo permanent residents, but also migrants.