Probation Process Information
Process
Following a probation sentence, a defendant must follow certain conditions set forth by the court usually under the direction of a supervision officer. Monthly checkups with the officer are required to make sure the defendant is following the terms of the probation sentence. Appointments may be more than once a month.
Cost
Incarceration can cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars a day per offender, whereas probation only costs a few dollars per day. Those on probation also contribute to the cost of their supervision by paying monthly fees ($ 40.00) in addition to fines or restitution
Conviction
A conviction results after a person is found guilty of a crime through either a trial or a plea. Once convicted, a person is sentenced by a judge, or in some circumstances, a jury.
Sentence
A sentence states what punishment will be imposed on a person convicted of a crime. A sentence can be a fine, incarceration in jail or prison, probation, or a combination of all three.
Probation
The court may impose probation instead of a jail sentence. The court sets conditions for the probation period, which may include but not limited to refraining from committing crimes, following a curfew, remaining gainfully employed, attending counseling, completing community service and meeting with a supervision officer as directed. Probation is a sentence that releases a person convicted of a crime into the community. Probation can vary in intensity depending upon the court ordered sentence.
Violation Probation
If probation is violated and a Violation has been filed with the court, the convicted returns to the court for imposition or execution of sentencing on the original conviction. A court can also impose a separate sentence for the probation violation.
Supervision During Probation
A Supervision officer monitors a person on probation to ensure that all conditions ordered by the Court are met. Generally, a Supervision officer requires a person to check in once a month. The probation officer may also administer random drug tests and supervises progress in completing the courts order.
Rehabilitation
Offenders on probation are evaluated and may be required to participate in rehabilitation. Treatment professionals are able to guide an offender as challenges arise, teaching skills such as how to cope with daily life.
Supevision
Higher-risk offenders are monitored more closely than those of a lesser risk, protecting society from new offenses. For example, these individuals may have more face-to-face contact with the supervision officer, and many have a curfew or drug testing. Lower-risk offenders may report to the probation officer once a month.