Being charged with a crime can lead to various outcomes. Some offenders spend time in prison while others are monitored by probation. The punishment for a crime should correspond with the severity of the offense charged. A skilled criminal defense attorney can often advocate for reducing charges or penalties based on the circumstances of a particular case.
The court may require high-risk offenders to participate in intensive supervision probation in certain cases. This program is designed as an alternative to prison to rehabilitate offenders. Whether you are placed on standard or intensive probation, you have rights that a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you assert. The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group can explain the different types of probation in Arizona and help pursue a positive outcome in your case.
Standard Probation
The court uses standard probation for less serious offenses. This is generally a separate punishment that follows a prison sentence, unlike intensive probation, which is reserved for more high-risk offenders.
For standard probation, the offender will report to their officer periodically. The schedule is more lenient and generally occurs on a monthly or weekly schedule. Offenders are also not required to remain at home during their probationary period. Standard probation aims to monitor the offender after their release to avoid further crimes. If the offender commits another crime or breaks their probation, they could end up back in prison.
Intensive Supervision Probation
Someone placed on intensive supervision probation is monitored and must follow strict conditions, similar to house arrest. Intensive supervision probation aims to rehabilitate offenders outside of the prison system. The program aims to reduce recidivism by giving offenders the resources they need to succeed. The program is geared toward high-risk offenders or those likely to repeat their offenses.
Intensive probation provides offenders with important resources to help them rehabilitate, such as:
- Mental health counseling
- Social services
- Community treatment programs
- Resources for those coping with addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Relapse prevention programs
- Educational and vocational training opportunities
Access to these resources helps high-risk offenders work toward a better future and avoid crime.
Someone placed on intensive probation can expect strict restrictions. This could include multiple weekly meetings with probation and random drug and alcohol screens. The probation officer will also stay in contact with the offender’s employer, friends, and family to track their progress. When enrolled in intensive probation, the offender will participate in treatment and educational programs and could also have ordered community service. Intensive probation is often viewed as an alternative to prison. It is designed to punish and rehabilitate the offender to reduce their chance of recidivism upon release.
Learn More About Probation Types from an Attorney
If you were convicted of a crime and are placed under standard or intensive probation, you should speak to an Arizona criminal defense attorney. You might have questions about your eligibility for programs like intensive probation. An experienced attorney can help advocate on your behalf for this alternative if applicable.
As criminal defense attorneys, Grand Canyon Law Group is here to help you move forward after a conviction and protect your way of life. We believe you can succeed in all areas with the right resources. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about probation and other programs available.
