When you’re indicted for a criminal offense, getting off on probation is indeed the much lesser evil to contend with. In fact, probation should not even be considered as “evil” at all even though there are also some probation arrangements that can be a bit severe depending on the circumstances. In the state of California, probation is actually of two types and understanding the difference between the two would be able to help you see where you stand. Essentially, there’s the formal probation and the informal one, the latter also known as a “court probation.”
Let’s start with knowing more about what a formal probation is first. When we talk of this type of probation, it usually requires the offender to register with the Adult Probation Department of the county where he resides or which has jurisdiction over his person. A probation officer will then be assigned to supervise the offender throughout the entire period of his probation. You will have a number of responsibilities assigned to you during your probation period by the probation officer so it’s important that you should report promptly and regularly. Once you have gained their trust by properly meeting the terms and conditions of your probation, you will be asked to come at less frequent intervals.
Now as far as an informal or court probation is concerned, this doesn’t require any registration to be made at all. There is also no need for the offender to be supervised by a probation officer or for him to meet frequently with the latter on fixed dates. Nonetheless, the offender has to make it a point to comply with the terms and conditions of your probation and ascertain that you do not commit either the same criminal act or any criminal act during the same. Otherwise, the District Attorney (DA) will request your probation to be terminated, if not modified. Of course, expect also that you will be arrested the moment that violation of your probation is made known to the court.
When you are on probation and you violate the terms and conditions thereof, the court or in case you’re under the authority of a probation officer, can impose the penalties attached to the crime you originally committed. On top of that, you may also be made to suffer additional penalties which arise specifically from the violation of your probation conditions. That’s why if you’re on probation, it still pays to keep in constant touch with your criminal defense attorney. You can never tell when unexpected incidents may happen which would lead to the termination of your probation privileges.
