Probation is a period of time during which a person who has been convicted of a crime is released into the community under the supervision of a probation officer, instead of serving time in jail or prison. It is an alternative to incarceration and is typically granted to individuals who are considered low-risk offenders. During probation, the person must comply with certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with the probation officer, attending counseling or therapy sessions, drug tests, and maintaining employment or education. Violating the terms of probation can result in a return to custody to serve the original sentence.
