What It Means If You’re Placed on Probation

Not every criminal offender in New Jersey is sentenced to prison time. Sometimes, the judge or prosecutor looks at the evidence in the case, considers the circumstances of the offender, and determines that the offender’s best chance of rehabilitation is to be placed on probation. When you receive a probationary sentence in a criminal case in NJ, this means that you get to stay out of jail or prison – but only so long as you fulfill certain obligations and demonstrate to the court that you can remain on the right path.

NJ Probation Supervision Services

Although the court puts a great deal of trust in the offender to stay out of trouble while on probation, that trust only extends so far. That’s why a probation officer will monitor you throughout the probationary period and ensure that you are complying with all rules and requirements.

There are different kinds of probation supervision services in NJ, depending on the status of the offender. These services have different requirements, which you will need to meet throughout the process.

Probation supervision services in New Jersey include the following:

• Adult Supervision: Adult offenders will be monitored by probation officers, who are tasked with making sure that the offender meets all the requirements imposed by the court. There are more than 70,000 adult offenders being monitored by probation officers in New Jersey. When an offender violates the terms of their probation, the probation officer will report the violation to the court.

• Juvenile Supervision: When a minor is tried for a juvenile offense in Superior Court, Family Part, the judge or prosecutor may determine that the best outcome for the offender is probation and not incarceration. That’s when the Juvenile Supervision system takes over, providing the juvenile offender with a chance to remain in the community, attend school, and undergo counseling and treatment. The probation officer will work with the juvenile offender’s parent or guardian to help the offender get through the process and successfully reintegrate into society. There are more than 13,000 juvenile offenders in the NJ probation system.

• Intensive Supervision Program: Certain defendants who commit serious offenses but who nonetheless receive probation are placed into the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP). Entry into the ISP typically requires the offender to apply to a panel of judges after initially being sentenced to prison time. Offenders in the ISP will be strictly monitored, with even the slightest misstep likely resulting in complete revocation of the offender’s probationary status.

• Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program: Much like the ISP, the Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program (JISP) has strict requirements. Juvenile offenders who commit violent crimes but who demonstrate a willingness to improve their situations and get back on the right track in their lives may be eligible for entrance into the JISP.

Probation Requirements in New Jersey

The probation officer who monitors your compliance with the requirements of your probation will not hesitate to report even the slightest violation. When this happens, you could find yourself in big trouble – and be put behind bars for a very long time.

The requirements of your probation may include:

• Meetings with your probation officer.
• Wearing an electronic monitoring device.
• Performance of community service.
• Attendance at counseling sessions for drug or alcohol abuse.
• Attendance at counseling sessions for domestic violence.
• Attendance at counseling sessions for mental health issues.
• Payment of monetary fines.
• Prevented from owning or possessing a firearm.
• Prevented from leaving the state.

If you face criminal charges in New Jersey, a skilled lawyer may be able to help you avoid jail time. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC are prepared to help you fight your charges. Contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation.