How to Complete Probation
Probation is a sentence that is imposed by a criminal court instead of placing the criminal in jail. An offender who is on probation must follow certain rules assigned by the court under the supervision of a probation officer. If you do not follow the rules of your probation, you may receive a probation violation or revocation. Violations and revocations may result in serving the rest of your probation sentence in jail or extend your probation. To complete probation, you must follow any rules set by the court and demonstrate responsibility to your probation officer.
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Instructions
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Complete any required community service as quickly as possible. Showing responsibility will prove to your probation officer that you are on the road to rehabilitation.
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Have a good attitude when discussing business with your probation officer. Never be hostile or argumentative. The officer is only following orders.
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Keep all appointments with your probation officer and any court dates. If you avoid your probation officer and do not report to scheduled appointments, the probation officer may charge you with absconding. Absconding is the act of secretly hiding to avoid arrest or prosecution. Some states consider absconding a felony while other states consider it a violation of probation. In either case, you will lose your right to probation and sent back to jail.
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Reform your behavior. Judges and probation officers are harsher on criminals who continue to break the law. The most important step in reforming your behavior is admitting your errors.
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Notify your probation officer before leaving the state. The officer will require you to fill out a request form if you wish to leave the state. You must provide information on the date, location and where you will be staying. Leaving the state without permission is a direct violation of your probation and may result in severe consequences.
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Get and keep a job. Probation officers and judges want to know that you are a productive member of society.
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Pay your fines and probation costs. Some states require that fines and costs be paid in full before being released from probation.
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Stay off drugs and alcohol. Probation officers monitor urine samples to ensure you are not breaking the law by doing drugs. Failing a drug test can lead to probation violations.
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Serve your time. As long as you do not get into any trouble while on probation, the officer will release you as soon as you have served your sentence.
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