Probation is a sentence which may be imposed by a court in lieu of incarceration. A criminal who is "on probation" has been convicted of a crime but has served only part of the sentence in jail, or has not served time at all. In most jurisdictions, probation is a sentencing option for misdemeanors and many felonies (these are commonly called "probationable" offenses), but not for higher-order felonies, such as capital crimes, forcible rape, and m...
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Probation is a sentence which may be imposed by a court in lieu of incarceration. A criminal who is "on probation" has been convicted of a crime but has served only part of the sentence in jail, or has not served time at all. In most jurisdictions, probation is a sentencing option for misdemeanors and many felonies (these are commonly called "probationable" offenses), but not for higher-order felonies, such as capital crimes, forcible rape, and many others.
An offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, under the supervision of a probation officer. He or she is ordinarily required to refrain from subsequent possession of firearms, and may be ordered to remain employed, abide to a curfew, live at a directed place, obey the orders of the probation officer, or not leave the jurisdiction. The probationer may be ordered as well to refrain from contact with the victims (such as a former partner in a domestic violence case), with potential victims of...
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