• What Does It Mean To Be "On Probation?"

After an offender is found guilty of committing a crime, the court can suspend the sentence and place the offender under the supervision of a probation officer, or place the offender in a local jail or correctional institution, followed by a period of probation supervision. While on probation, offenders must obey all laws and follow the specific orders issued by the court.

 

• What is the Difference between Probation and Parole?

Probation is a condition of an offender's original court sentence by a judge. An offender can be sentenced to probation only and be required to follow any number of specific stipulations as outlined in the court order. An offender may also be sentenced to jail time plus probation and also be required to fulfill specific stipulations demanded by the court, including regular reporting to a probation officer. Parole is a condition of early release for someone coming out of a prison. There are usually a number of restrictions placed on a parolee and he/she is closely supervised by a parole officer (either state or federal, depending on the type of prison).

 

• What does the Probation Department do to protect the community from adult offenders?

When an adult is found to be guilty of a felony, the probation officer may be ordered to file a report with the court. It will include detailed information about the crime, losses to victims, background of the offender, and sentencing recommendations. Some offenders may be granted the privilege of probation and be supervised by probation officers. The probationer's compliance or noncompliance will be reported to the court.

The frequency and method of probation officer contact with probationers depends on the seriousness of offenses committed. Some types of cases receive special attention:

• Sex offenders
• Domestic violence offenders
• Violent offenders
• Domestic violence offenders and child abusers where children remain in the home
• Gang members

 

• What does the Probation Department do to help offenders with alcohol and drug problems?

The Probation Department, in conjunction with public and private providers, offers intensive alcohol and drug treatment to adults sentenced to such programs. They include Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, group counseling, and urinalysis. Those who fail to participate may be returned to court for alternative sentences, including jail or prison.

• If a probationer is put into a "banked caseload," what does that mean?

First-time offenders and those who commit minor, non-violent crimes may be put on probation. Those who pose little or no physical threat to the community may require only occasional supervision by a probation officer. These cases are often put into computerized caseloads ("banks") where one officer may supervise over 1,000 adult probationers. Some of those individuals also may be further along in their supervised probationary period and have shown stability in fulfilling all of their court mandates. Contact with the probation officer is minimal and occasional "reporting in" is all that is required.

• Can I vote while I am on probation?
  
  In California, you have the right to vote while you are on probation. You must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, and at least 18 years old. To vote in the next election, you must register to vote at least 15 days before the election. For more information, contact the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters, 212 N. San Joaquin Street, Stockton, California 95202, (209)-468-2890.