As of the start of 2021, there were almost four million individuals on probation for criminal behavior in the United States. This number has been going down, although it is still very high as probation plays an important role in the criminal justice system of the U.S. Although, do you understand what probation is and what form it can take?
Below, we detail what a defendant does on probation and why judges might use it as the result of a criminal trial. By the end, you should understand what the steps are that someone must take, and what you can do to help someone who is on probation.
What Is Probation?
In the United States, almost one in every 100 people is in prison or jail. This is a huge number of individuals that need some kind of support. Such support includes rehabilitation, meeting their basic needs, and security.
Probation is one way that the system can save money. At the same time, it ensures that the individual receives punishment and rehabilitation for their crime.
If a judge determines that the criminal in question is unlikely to re-offend, probation is often an option. This is especially true if they are not dangerous, and it is a first-time offense. This allows them to continue to live in the community that they were in before but gives them a set list of goals to complete during their freedom.
These goals have the aim of increasing the chances of the person leading a normal life after their punishment. Also, they can often increase the worth the person has to society through work placement or training.
What Do You Do on Probation?
While on probation, the person in question must work with a probation officer. They will assess how the accused moves forward into a more successful future. They do this through regular visits in which they judge the actions of the person on probation.
This allows the probation officer to ensure that the accused is trying to integrate into non-criminal society. It might include steps such as:
- Sticking to a set curfew time
- Engaging in community service
- Taking regular drug tests
- Attending therapy
- Avoiding further criminal behavior
Many people in the circle of the person on probation might also want to get involved. They may be emotionally invested in the well-being of the person and want to know how supporting someone on probation would work. They may also want to know more about probation in general, so a probation guide such as the above may be helpful.
This kind of help can be stressful and may take a long time. Though, the more help someone has, the less chance they have to recommit crime during or after their probationary period.
More About Criminal Justice
With the above information, you should have a much better idea of what probation is and its role in the United States criminal justice system. If you want to know more, though, then there are many options available to you.
We have many online guides that can help you to get all the information you need. So, check out our blog and see what you can learn to help you move forward.
