Probation vs. Jail

Many criminal convictions, particularly misdemeanors, list probation as a possible punishment alternative to a jail sentence. Depending on the crime for which the defendant is convicted, he or she may be allowed to serve probation instead of having to spend any time in jail. Probation is certainly still a punishment but is usually considered preferable to jail because a person’s freedoms under probation are less restricted.

Probation is a period during which a convicted person is assigned a supervisory officer and must adhere to strict rules during the entire period. The sentence varies from person to person but typically includes a curfew, random alcohol or drug testing, mandatory meetings with a probationary officer, mandatory employment, community service, and more. Unlike jail or house arrest, a person on probation is not typically restricted to staying in one place at all times. He or she is allowed to continue to live among society with temporarily limited freedoms.

If you have been charged with a crime, probation may be one possible sentence you face. Depending on the circumstances of the crime and the evidence against you, your criminal defense lawyer may provide advice on how you should plead your case. He or she will fight on your behalf to convince the court that you are not a danger to the community and should be permitted to serve probation. Depending on the crime and the judge presiding, you may be granted a probation sentence rather than jail time.

Contact Us

To speak to an experienced lawyer about your criminal charges and how to prepare your defense for court, please contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.