Probation Order

A probation order is an official written directive from a court during the sentencing of a convicted criminal.  Through a guilty plea, a plea bargain, or a trial conviction, an offender may be eligible to receive a probation order.  A probation order is an alternative sentence to incarceration and may be granted as a conditional discharge or a suspended sentence.  A probation order may be ordered exclusively or may be combined with other penalties such as fines, restitution, partial incarceration, and more. 

A probation order allows the conditional release of an offender into the community.  A probation order may only be a sentencing option in some cases.  A probation order will only be considered for those eligible offenders who do not pose a threat to society, and who can be rehabilitated through community supervision.  A probation order sets forth all the specific conditions of the offender’s probation. 

Both the issuing judge and the offender will sign the probation order.  By signing the probation order, the defendant agrees to comply with every condition set forth in the probation order.  The defendant also recognizes that any violation of a probation order will result in harsher penalties or mandatory incarceration.   The probation order will also assign a probation officer to the offender. 

A probation officer has a duty to meet with the offender on a regular basis to monitor his/her progress, ensure compliance with all probation order provisions, help the offender adapt to the community, and assist the offender in behaving in responsible and lawful ways.  The probation officer also has a duty to report any violations in the probation order to the issuing judge who will respond accordingly. 

The conditions set forth in a probation order will depend largely on the state and circumstances of the case.  The conditions of a probation order will include all of the things that a probate can do and all of the things s/he is prohibited from doing.  A probation order may include the following actions which must be taken by the probate: maintain employment, comply with curfew, live in a specific place, abide by all laws, seek counseling, submit to periodic chemical testing for drugs or alcohol, perform community service, and pay probation fees to cover the cost of administering probation. 

There are also a number of things an offender may be prohibited from doing as outlined in a probation order.  A probation order may forbid an offender from traveling, associating with certain individuals, attending certain places (like schools, or bars), and other activities.  Failure to comply with all probation order provisions will result in harsh criminal penalties.

If you would like to learn more about a probation order, please contact us to speak with a caring and competent criminal defense attorney in your area.  This legal expert can evaluate your case to determine your legal rights and options.  This professional can also discover the best ways to protect and maximize your legal interests in situations involving a probation order or other sentencing provisions.