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  An individual may be placed on probation by a court in California when he has committed certain types of crimes. Probation, either supervised or unsupervised, is intended as a motivation to deter future criminal activity. Probation is generally implemented instead of time in custody while parole is implemented after time in prison. Both are types of monitored community supervision.
  
  

Unsupervised Probation

• The choice between probation and prison can sometimes be difficultprisoner. hand image by Taiga from Fotolia.com
  
  Unsupervised probation is granted in a few cases that meet specific guidelines. Generally, terms include: obey all federal, state and local laws; report any police contact to your probation officer within 72 hours; complete all community service hours as directed,;and pay all court fees as ordered. Unsupervised probation may be deemed appropriate for offenders who did not commit violent or alcohol or drug-related crimes.
  
  

Supervised Probation

• According to the American Probation and Parole Association, supervised probation terms generally consist of the following: obey all federal, state and local laws; do not contact any other felons; pay all court fees, including applicable fines and restitution; do not possess any type of weapon, including a knife; submit to search and seizure of property or vehicle at any time; report to probation officer as directed; permit home and employment visits as needed; report any change of address to your probation officer within 72 hours; do not leave the state without written permission from your probation officer; seek and maintain employment and report any change of employment status to your probation officer within 72 hours; do not use, sell or possess alcohol or illegal drugs; use any other prescription drugs only with a valid prescription; submit to urinalysis testing as ordered; attend counseling as directed; complete community service hours as ordered; have no contact with the victim in the case without court permission; and notify your probation officer of any police contact within 72 hours. Special terms and conditions of probation may also apply. These may include the following: abide by sex offender, domestic violence, mental health, intensive probation, gang, white collar, or drug offender terms; attend specialized counseling as directed; abide by curfew; and submit all financial information to your probation officer.
  
  

Probation Violation

• If a probationer violates his terms of probation, he can be arrested. California law dictates three options, including probation reinstatement with or without a jail term and revocation of probation with a prison sentence.