What Is Non-Reporting Probation?

Non-reporting probation is a misnomer because it does involve a regular reporting schedule with the assigned probation officer. However, the reporting is generally done through the mail instead of in person. Supervised probation requires the offender to personally meet with a probation officer on a scheduled basis, often once or twice per month. Generally, defendants who are placed on non-reporting probation can not have any other counseling needs, especially alcohol or substance abuse issues.

Other terms and conditions of probation apply and must be adhered to or probation can be revoked and a prison or jail sentence imposed. Non-reporting probation may be given for misdemeanors or some felonies such as fraud, some drug charges involving possession of a small amount of drugs and accessory charges. Every case is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and although two people may receive identical charges, one may receive non-reporting probation while the other receives supervising probation. Determining factors include the circumstances surrounding the offense and the history and needs of the defendant.

Those on non-reporting or supervised probation are expected to obey local, state and federal laws. Should a defendant commit a crime while on non-reporting probation, his probation will almost certainly be revoked, and he will be arrested. Any police contact must be reported to the supervising probation officer within 72 hours.

Non-reporting probation requires consistent contact with the probation officer. In addition to mailing in reporting forms, the defendant may be required to call her probation officer. This is usually done on a monthly basis but may occur as infrequently as every 90 days and is determined by the probation officer based in part on the severity of the crime.

Read More: How to Find Someone's Probation Officer

Court fees, especially restitution, are part of non-reporting probation. Other fees may be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These can include fines, probation service fees, mandatory assessments and fees toward a victim's fund.

Community service may be part of non-reporting probation and allows the defendant to give back to the community in a positive way. The number of hours assessed can range between 10 and 1,000, although between 100 and 300 hours is a more likely range. These hours are served at an appropriate and pre-approved agency as determined by the probation officer.

Anyone who is on probation, including those on non-reporting probation, are expected to remain gainfully employed. There are two rationales for this. The probationer must be able to pay his restitution and court fees, and the probationer should be a contributing member of society who is occupied productively.

On occasion, there may be additional specialized terms for an offender who is granted non-reporting probation. However, most additional terms require closer monitoring, so a probationer who is assigned extra terms would probably be placed on supervised probation.

Additional terms could include such directives as having no contact with the victim in the case, attending life skills classes or completing a GED program.