From the Latin term probatum (act of proving), probation is a type of sentence for criminal defendants. According to West's Encyclopedia of American Law, a judge can order probation for a convicted defendant, allowing him to go free for a certain period under a suspended sentence.

In Summary

Probation means you are supervised during your sentence. In a summary probation, the offender reports to the court rather than a probation officer. Summary probation is also known as court probation, informal probation or summary court probation.

Conditions

People who are put on probation typically have to meet certain conditions like obeying all laws, no alcohol or drugs, avoiding certain places and people and obeying any court orders. Most states limit the court's ability to award probation.

Oops, I Forgot

If you do not meet the conditions of your probation, like not showing up to your court appointments, your probationary status can be revoked. You can then be sentenced to the maximum amount of jail or prison time the law allows.

Who Gets Probation?

In 2002, nearly 4 million men and women were given probation rather than jail time, according to the Encyclopedia of Prisons and Correctional Facilities. Most of the probationers were convicted of felonies and misdemeanor crimes.

History

Probation in the United States is credited to philanthropist John Augustus, who petitioned the Boston Police Court to release criminals into his care, says the Encyclopedia of Prisons and Correctional Facilities. Augustus helped approximately 2,000 men, women and children stay out of jail.

Source:

"West's Encyclopedia of American Law;" Ed. Shirelle Phelps and Jeffrey Lehman; 2005

Findlaw: Sentencing Alternatives: Prison, Probation, Fines, and Community Service

El Dorado County Probation Department FAQ

Resource:

U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Information Series

U.S. Department of Justice Probation and Parole Statistics