Probation Probation is a punishment that keeps you out of jail and allows you to move fairly freely in society. You can live at home, go to work and take care of the kids pretty much as usual. Your local probation department, however, will place demands on, and monitor, your behavior. If you don't live up to those demands, you could wind up in jail.
Judges often impose probation as part of a suspended sentence.
If the convict violates these conditions, the judge can incarcerate him or her. Probation is usually reserved for first-time offenders and misdemeanor offenders. Convicts on probation must check in regularly with their probation officers. Depending on the jurisdiction, a convict may check in over the phone, in person or through the mail. Probation officers also can stop by the convict's house or place of business unannounced.