Rhode Island Criminal Lawyer

Probation Basics

Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence. Instead of serving time in prison, the criminal, who has been convicted of a crime, is returned to the community for a period in which they have to abide by certain rules and conditions set forth by court. The convicted person must report to a probation or parole officer, who is in charge of making sure all terms of the sentence are being lawfully followed.

In general, a probation officer supervises defendants who have not yet been sentenced to incarceration, or the specific details of their sentence have not been worked out. In contrast, parole officers monitor previously incarcerated offenders who are allowed to serve the remainder of their jail sentence in the community because of excellent behavior while an inmate.

Probation and parole first developed in Massachusetts in 1880 as a humanitarian effort to let first timers and minor offenders have a second chance. The basic role of the probation or parole officer has changed throughout time, especially with the recent developments in psychology. From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, parole officers’ aim was to ensure the convicted led a morally acceptable life. In the 1960’s, the officer role transitioned into a support role, by helping offenders with concrete social services, such as job placement, housing, and education. From the 1970’s until the present, the parole officer role again changed, with particular emphasis now on risk management. This approach seeks to minimize the chance that a lawbreaker will commit another offense.

For more information about probation, call Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer James Powderly at 401-662-9006 today.