Compared to incarceration in a state prison, probation is a very desirable sentence.  However, a probationary sentence doesn’t set a Defendant free in the ordinary sense of the word.  He or she may not be in prison, but a probationer is under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections and must comply with numerous conditions in order to avoid having his probation revoked.  His freedom is limited by strict compliance with the conditions of probation set at sentencing.

Standard conditions of probation include monthly reporting, payment of the costs of supervision and any fines or court costs ordered to be paid.  In drug and alcohol cases random urine or blood testing at the probationer’s cost will be one of the conditions.  Other typical conditions are payment to the police agency for its costs of investigation in the case, restrictions on out of county and state travel, participation in an education course aimed at rehabilitation, the avoidance of association with any persons involved in crime (including those who are awaiting trial), working at a lawful occupation and/or attending a school or college.

The conditions that may be attached to probation are virtually limitless so long as they are reasonably related to the offense charged and/or rehabilitation.  Never accept a sentence to probation without speaking to a lawyer first.  While probation may seem an easy way out, if you violate your probation conditions in any way, you can be sentenced to the statutory maximum by the judge.