page_title: Probation
section_title: Types
hierarchical_section_title: Probation / Types
caption_attribution_description: English: Robert L. Patten Probation Detention Center in Lakeland, Lanier County, Georgia
context_page_description: Probation in criminal law is a period of supervision over an offender, ordered by the court instead of serving time in prison.
  In some jurisdictions, the term probation applies only to community sentences, such as suspended sentences. In others, probation also includes supervision of those conditionally released from prison on parole.
  An offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, often under the supervision of a probation officer. During the period of probation, an offender faces the threat of being incarcerated if found breaking the rules set by the court or probation officer.
  Offenders are ordinarily required to maintain law-abiding behavior, and may be ordered to refrain from possession of firearms, remain employed or participate in an educational program, abide a curfew, live at a directed place, obey the orders of the probation officer, or not leave the jurisdiction. The probationer might be ordered as well to refrain from contact with the victims, with potential victims of similar crimes, or with known criminals, particularly co-defendants.
caption: Robert L. Patten Probation Detention Center in Lakeland, Georgia
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