Probation

Probation is an alternative to prison that is available as a sentencing option for judges after an adult is adjudicated in a criminal court. An offender may be given a sentence of probation only, or probation and a suspended prison sentence. In Rhode Island, “split sentences” are also common, meaning that the offender is sentenced to a term of incarceration with probation supervision upon release. Probationers are supervised by a DOC Probation & Parole Officer. They are required to comply with general conditions of probation that apply to everyone, and, in some cases, special conditions that are ordered by the judge. Individuals who violate the conditions of probation are brought back to court, and the judge can impose additional orders and/or sentence the person to prison, even if not previously incarcerated.