What is probation?

Probation is a court-imposed sanction that allows individuals found guilty of a crime to remain in the community under specific terms and supervision instead of serving time in prison. This arrangement typically includes conditions that the offender must adhere to, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, maintaining employment, or avoiding contact with certain individuals. The primary goal of probation is to facilitate rehabilitation while still holding the offender accountable for their actions. It serves to minimize the severity of incarceration while providing an opportunity for rehabilitation, thus allowing individuals to contribute to society while being monitored.