Understanding Philadelphia Probation Requirements

Understanding Philadelphia Probation Requirements

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Philadelphia, you may be sentenced to probation instead of jail time. Probation allows you to stay in the community while being supervised. It can be a complicated process though, with many rules you need to follow.

This article will explain everything you need to know about probation in Philly. We’ll cover the different types of probation, standard conditions, special rules for DUIs, how violations and transfers work, and more. Our goal is to help you understand what to expect so you can complete probation successfully.

Types of Probation

There are a few different kinds of probation in Pennsylvania:

• Formal (supervised) probation – You have to report to a probation officer and pay fees
• Informal (unsupervised) probation – You just have to complete tasks like community service
• Intensive supervision – Increased monitoring like electronic monitoring

Formal probation involves meeting with an officer regularly, drug tests, home visits, etc. They closely watch everything you do. Informal probation doesn’t have as much supervision – the court just orders you to do things like community service.

Standard Probation Conditions

Probation comes with many rules you’ll need to follow. Some common conditions include:

• Having a job or going to school
• Paying fines, fees, or restitution
• Completing community service
• Staying within the county or state
• Reporting to your probation officer
• No weapons possession
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Treatment programs or counseling
• Electronic monitoring/house arrest
• No contact with the victim

You’ll also have to avoid committing new crimes – that’s mandatory. The judge will customize the conditions based on your situation. Make sure you understand all the rules so you don’t accidentally violate.

Special Rules for DUIs

If you’re on probation for a DUI, there are extra requirements after your drug/alcohol evaluation:

• Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs
• Electronic monitoring/house arrest
• Work release or partial confinement
• Jail time (for repeat DUIs)

The assessors will decide if you need treatment. Even if not, you’ll still have strict monitoring like house arrest. For a 2nd DUI within 10 years, you’ll serve mandatory jail time too.

Probation Violations

If you break any probation rules, that’s considered a violation. Common violations include:

• Failed drug/alcohol test
• Missed probation appointments
• Failed to pay fines/fees
• Didn’t complete community service
• Traveled outside allowed area
• New criminal charge

Drug offenses are the #1 violation. If you do violate probation, there will be a hearing. The judge decides guilt based on a “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not). The punishment can be extended probation, more conditions, or jail time.

Transferring Probation

If you move outside Philadelphia, you may be able to transfer probation to your new county. Ask your probation officer about how to request a transfer. Make sure to get approved first before leaving the area.

Probation for Juveniles

Juveniles ages 10-21 can receive probation if they committed a crime before age 18. The rules are similar to adult probation but geared toward rehabilitation.

Tips for Completing Probation Successfully

Here are some tips to help you complete probation without any violations:

• Know your conditions and follow them exactly
• Always keep probation appointments and be on time
• Communicate with your probation officer
• Stay clean – avoid drugs/alcohol
• Comply with treatment programs
• Get a stable job
• Pay all fines and fees on schedule
• Finish your community service hours
• Stay in the allowed areas
• Don’t associate with criminals
• Ask your PO questions if unsure about rules

It can be challenging but probation is very doable if you follow the rules. It’s there to help you improve your life. Stay positive and don’t give up!

We hope this overview on Philadelphia probation requirements was helpful. Let us know if you have any other questions!