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If you are being charged with a criminal offense in New Jersey it is imperative that you fully understand your rights and legal options in preparation for your trial. If you are convicted you could face a slew of various legal repercussions including a lengthy prison sentence. If you are facing criminal charges you may be wondering: What is probation and how does it work in New Jersey? Probation is a beneficial alternative to incarceration that certain individuals are granted upon a criminal conviction. Read on for more information and work with a knowledgeable Mercer County criminal defense lawyer for skilled representation during your case.
What is Probation?
Probation is a criminal sentence that allows offenders to serve their time outside of prison while under the supervision of a probation officer. This type of sentence is commonly used as an alternative sentencing to incarceration. After a criminal conviction, instead of spending time in jail or prison, you will be allowed to remain at home and in your community, given that you abide by the terms and conditions of your release.
Note that probation is not a get-out-of-jail-free card; you are still serving your sentence, just out of the confines of a prison cell. Under New Jersey law, probation is used as an opportunity for offenders to remain in the community under certain guidelines and gives them the chance for self-improvement and rehabilitation.
What Are the Terms of Probation?
Offenders on probation are generally given a set of rules to abide by and are assigned a PO (probation officer) to supervise them and ensure they are following the rules. These terms are designed to promote the individual’s rehabilitation, ensure public safety, and reduce the chances of them committing another offense.
Common terms of probation include the following.
- Report regularly to the probation officer
- Perform mandatory community service
- Pay fines and restitution to the court
- Submit to home visits
- Stay sober
- Submit to random drug or alcohol testing
- Attend counseling
- Abide by a curfew
- Remain within a specific geographical region
- Maintain employment
How Does Probation Work?
After being found guilty you will be issued various legal penalties in association with your conviction. If you are given a term of probation, you will not be taken to prison. Instead, you will be assigned a probation officer and given a set of conditions to comply with.
The terms of your probation can include the above but will be specifically tailored to your situation. They will vary depending on the type of crime you committed, the severity, your personal history, and more. During your term of probation, you will abide by the terms and check in with your probation officer regularly, oftentimes once a week.
If you abide by the terms of your probation you will have served your sentence and can go back to business as usual. Contact a skilled attorney at the Law Office of Douglas Herring to set up your free consultation today.
