Once a defendant is convicted of a felony or admits guilt, the court may grant supervised probation, in most states. Supervised probation requires the defendant to immediately report to the supervising probation officer and obey all terms and conditions of probation. Failure to comply may result in probation revocation and a return to the sentencing court.
Standard Terms
Supervised probation terms vary slightly from state to state, but usually include the following: obey all local, state and federal laws; report to probation officer as directed; pay court fees, maintain employment; attend counseling; submit to alcohol/drug testing; notify probation officer within 72 hours of any contact with law enforcement; do not move or leave the state without prior permission; do not possess drugs; do not associate with felons; do not work with a vulnerable population; carry a photo identification at all times, do not possess any weapons and submit to search and seizure without a search warrant.
Intensive Terms
Intensive probation terms include all the standard terms plus additional restrictions. The probationer is basically on home arrest, subject to electronic monitoring and both home and work visits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The probationer must also turn over paychecks to the probation officer, who will deduct any court fees. The remainder is then returned to the defendant. This type of supervision is usually the "last chance" prior to a prison sentence.
Read More: What Is Intensive Supervision Probation?
Specialized Terms
There are a wide variety of specialized probation rules or terms. They include sex offender, domestic violence, gang, white collar and drug. In some situations, the probation officer closely monitors computer usage or financial dealings. In addition, if the offense involves a victim, the defendant is court-ordered to have no contact with that person. However, in certain situations such as when the victim is a husband, wife or other relative, the judge waives this condition at his sole discretion. The supervising probation officer imposes specific terms as deemed appropriate.