We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Criminal

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Probation Order?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,379
Share

A probation order is a court order setting out the terms of a conditional release of a prisoner. People can be offered probation in lieu of spending time in prison, or can serve part of a sentence in prison and part out on probation. If the probation order is violated, the criminal must return to prison to serve out the sentence. Law enforcement officers known as probation officers are responsible for supervising inmates on probation and making reports to the court.

A judge will consider probation in a case when a prisoner does not appear to pose a threat to members of the public. The probation order can set out limits like not associating with certain people, staying away from some locations, refraining from illegal activities, and participating in a rehabilitation program. The goal of the probation order is to allow the person to integrate into the community while serving the sentence, potentially providing an opportunity to rehabilitate and become a productive member of society.

Sending people out on probation can save money for the legal system. Keeping people in prison can become costly, especially if special security measures are needed to protect inmates from each other. Probation is less expensive, requiring payment to a single law enforcement officer who oversees a number of inmates rather than maintenance of a prison system. As long as a criminal seems unlikely to repeat a crime, a probation order can be written to allow that person to serve out the sentence in the community.

Victims may have input on the sentencing process, including the determination of whether someone should be allowed probation. Victims can also request special terms on a probation order, like an order to stay away or a mandate to participate in a community service program. While victims cannot dictate the wording of the order, their input is considered by the judge in the process of developing the order, and victim advocates may be involved in the process of facilitating communications between victims and the courts.

Once a probation order is issued, the terms will be explained and the inmate will usually need to sign a document indicating understanding and acceptance of the terms. The probation order includes a warning that failing to adhere to the terms can result in being sent back to prison, depending on the nature of the offense. Probation officers are involved in determining whether a probation violation should send someone back to prison, or be forgiven because there were special circumstances.

Share
MyLawQuestions is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By AnswerMan — On Apr 22, 2014

I never understand how anyone would even consider violating the terms of a probation order. If I did something stupid because of gang affiliation or drug addiction, the first thing I'd do after getting probation is move out of the area or get into drug rehab. If a judge is willing to let me walk almost free among regular citizens, the least I can do is act right. I've heard of people getting busted on a parole violation within a week of being released. They just couldn't handle life outside of prison and did something minor but illegal in order to get sent back inside.

By Cageybird — On Apr 21, 2014

Not that I plan on doing anything criminal any time soon, but if I were convicted of a crime, I'd hope my defense attorney would be able to argue for a probation order. I have heard about the horrors of prison life, and I know I'm not cut out for long term incarceration. There'd be no way I'd even consider violating the terms of my parole, especially if the punishment was going back to a prison cell.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-is-a-probation-order.htm
Copy this link
MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.