Most people convicted of crimes in California, whether misdemeanors or felonies, are placed on probation. Probation is an alternative to jail or prison. When you agree to probation you also agree to follow the probation rules. Some common probation rules in California are you must obey all laws, check in with probation, submit to alcohol or drug testing, maintain employment, and stay away from certain locations. Probation is not necessarily a get out of jail free card. If you violate a rule of your probation, then you can face jail or prison time. A probation violation can be as minor as not paying a fine, failure to report to your probation officer, or failure to maintain employment.  By ending probation, you eliminate the risk of facing a probation violation.