People who are facing criminal charges often worry about what sentence they’ll have to face if they’re convicted of a crime. There are several that are possible, one of which is probation.
Probation is a sentence that allows the individual to remain out in the community instead of being incarcerated. The court will set the length of the probation term. During the time that the person is on probation, they will be supervised by a probation officer.
Requirements of probation
Individuals who are on probation have to comply with the terms of the program. They must report to their probation officer on a set schedule. There are also a variety of other rules that are likely to apply to all probation programs. These include:
- Holding a steady job
- Living in an approved location
- Remaining sober
- Staying out of legal trouble
- Avoiding associating with felons
- Paying all required fines and fees
- Complying with other terms set by the court
Probationers may have other requirements that they have to meet. The probation officer will relay these to the individual and ensure compliance.
Failing to comply with any of the terms of probation can lead to a probation violation. This can lead to a judge ordering the person to serve time in prison or other sentencing options.
It’s critical for defendants to ensure they understand their defense strategy options so they can make a decision they feel is in their best interests. The goal of the defense may be to mitigate the sentence, which could lead to probation or other terms. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial.
