How Does Probation Work in Michigan?

If you are facing criminal charges in Michigan, staying out of jail is likely your number one priority. Understanding probation and how it can work in your case is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and you have explored all of your legal options. Reach out to an Upper Peninsula criminal defense lawyer to obtain skilled representation during your case.

What is Probation?

Probation is an alternative to incarceration used in the criminal justice system for a more lenient sentence after a defendant is convicted. Probation allows individuals convicted of a crime to remain in the community under supervision and specific conditions, rather than spending time in prison.

Instead of serving their sentence behind bars and being locked away, probation allows individuals to continue their daily lives while being monitored by a probation officer to ensure they are complying with the legal conditions required by the court.

Can I Get Probation?

In Michigan, probation is commonly offered to individuals convicted of non-violent offenses or to first-time offenders as a way to give them a chance for rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Probation can be granted as part of an individual’s sentence or as a condition for early release from a term of imprisonment.

Judges have the discretion to decide whether to grant probation based on a variety of factors including the individual’s criminal history, the severity of the offense, and their likelihood of rehabilitation if allowed to remain in the community.

How Does Probation Work in MI?

If you are convicted of a nonviolent, low-level offense, a judge may issue you a term of probation along with fines or other required penalties. You could also be released from prison before your sentence is up on the condition that you abide by the rules of probation for the remainder of your sentence.

You will be permitted to remain outside of the prison walls and live at home, in your community. However, it is important to remember that just because you are not locked up does not mean that you are completely free. You must abide by a variety of rules and conditions set by the court to ensure compliance with your probation. These conditions commonly include the following.

• Regular reporting with a probation officer, often weekly
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Community service
• Counseling or rehabilitative treatment
• Restitution
• Refraining from committing any new criminal offenses
• Maintaining employment
• Travel restrictions

Probation in Michigan can last up to 2 years for a misdemeanor and 5 years for a felony conviction. If you abide by all of the terms of your probation for the period set by the court, your time will be considered served and the conditions of your freedom will be removed.

However, if you fail to comply with the conditions of your probation it can lead to serious consequences. For more information and to obtain experienced legal counsel during your case, reach out to a skilled attorney at Berger Law today.