Probation should be regarded as a privilege. 

          It's normal to want to get on with your life and put your legal troubles behind you.  Probation is a great alternative to being in jail, but human nature makes people lose perspective of this.  It is easy to slip back into old habits, and the rules of probation quickly become a burden unless you are willing to commit to turning over a new leaf. 

          When you commit a crime, you are seen as having a disregard for the safety and freedoms of others.  The goal of government and law enforcement is to protect the safety and interests of the public.  The point of jail or prison is to remove offenders from the community to maintain public safety. 

          If you are granted the opportunity to be on probation instead of being incarcerated, you are lucky.  You can return to a normal life sooner, as long as you continue to earn the privilege by following the rules.  But remember, you are still considered a risk to public safety and that is why DOC has the authority to make and enforce your rules.

Your Rules        

          Where do your rules come from?  Community Corrections participated in your sentencing by preparing your PSI.  Your agent already knows extensive information about your background before you even meet, including your childhood, education, marriage and family background, and criminal history. 

          The plan for your probation is custom-made by your agent.  He or she will be looking for potential problems you may have had in your past that contributed to your problems with the law.  That usually includes people, places, and things that are associated with troubles you have had.  You may have no-contact orders to stay away from certain people and other restrictions that are hard to live with.  Just remember, the goal is for you to succeed in making positive changes in your life.  Your agent does not want you to be revoked.