What Does Probation Entail?

Criminal offenders are often placed on probation in lieu of serving a jail sentence or after time in jail has been completed. Probation is a way for correctional authorities to supervise offenders to ensure they do not break the law again.

Description

• Probation can be defined two ways: It is considered the suspension of a jail sentence subject to supervision by a probation officer or probation can be the sentence which resulted from a criminal conviction.

Requirements

• Probation requires offenders to follow certain rules during their probationary period as a condition of remaining in the community. The court may order the offender to meet regularly with a probation officer, maintain employment, remain drug- and alcohol-free and appear in court periodically. Further, offenders may be ordered to avoid certain people or places as well as pay restitution to the victims of their crimes. Failure to comply with probation requirements or breaking the law again during the probationary period could land the offender in jail.

Time Frame

• The amount of time a criminal remains on probation depends on the severity of his crime as well as the likelihood another crime will be permitted. Offenders placed on probation for misdemeanor offenses are often subject to a shorter probationary period than convicted felons. Offenders can remain on probation for as little as six months to five years or more. Some offenders, such as those who commit crimes against children, can be placed on lifetime probation.