It wouldn't work here because our legal system and law enforcement and American culture are built on being punitive.
A person going to jail -- not just prison in the U.S. -- has the potential of leaving a person impoverished, without the ability to secure gainful employment that truly meets their material needs and even housing.
A lot of folks who've been justice-involved can't even vote after having a felony on their record. The U.S. justice system really strips people of their humanity which explains why the recidivism rate is extremely high.