What is probation?

Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision intended to be an alternative to incarceration.  Probation allows defendants to stay in the community under the supervision of a probation officer.  Probation is a part of the New Jersey Court system, and there is a probation office in every county Superior Court in New Jersey.  The intention is to foster positive life changes while also ensuring an offender’s accountability for their conduct. 

 

How long is probation?

In New Jersey, an individual may be sentenced to a term of probation for anywhere from 1 to 5 years.  See N.J.S.A. 2C:45-2.  The length of probation can vary in each case, depending on the unique circumstances of the case or the defendant. 

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What are the conditions of probation I must follow?

When the Court imposes a sentence of probation, the Court must attach reasonable conditions as it deems necessary to ensure that the person will lead a law-abiding life or is likely to assist him in doing so.  See N.J.S.A. 2C:45-1(a)(1).  There are standard conditions of probation that apply in all cases.  The Court may also choose to impose special conditions of probation that are unique to the individual defendant’s case.

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The standard conditions of probation are:

• Obey all State, Federal, and Municipal laws and notify your probation officer if you are arrested for any new offense(s).

• Report to probation as directed.

• Answer truthfully all questions asked by probation.

• Allow probation to visit your residence.

• Promptly report any changes of address to probation.

• Obtain permission from probation to move outside of the State.

• Obtain permission from probation to travel outside of New Jersey for more than 24 hours.

• Cooperate with any medical and/or psychological examinations, testing, or counseling that probation recommends.

• Submit to random drug testing at any time.

• Support dependents and meet family responsibilities.

• Seek and maintain gainful employment and promptly notify probation of any changes in employment.

• Do not possess any firearms or other dangerous weapons.

• Pay fines and restitution as directed.

• Provide a DNA sample.

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Some special conditions of probation can include all or some of the following (as is relevant to the case):

• Attend and complete a substance abuse or mental health treatment program.

• Attend and complete an anger management or batterer's intervention program.

• Submit to random drug testing. 

• Complete community service.

• Have no contact with the victim in the case.

• Not return to the residence or employment of the victim in the case.

• Serve a sentence of up to 364 days in jail as a condition of probation.

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Contact a New Jersey Probation

Lawyer for a Free Consultation

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At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation.  No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation.  Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

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