The conditions of probation, including the supervision level in the community, are based generally on standards and guidelines connected to the nature and severity of the offense. A few states allow unsupervised probation. Typically, it applies to misdemeanor infractions and offenders whose class of offense, prior record or conviction level authorize community punishment as a sentence. The courts may sentence such offenders to a maximum of a certain number of years of unsupervised probation. Any reduction, termination, continuation, or revocation rests with the sentencing judge, not a probation officer. Where it is allowed, on a misdemeanor punishable only by up to a year in the county jail, usually anyone eligible for probation will be eligible for unsupervised probation.

(Reviewed 12-08)