Probation: The Pre-Sentence Report

Probation Organization 58 Counties in California- each has a Probation Department. Probation Departments vary in size depending on the county’s population. Probation is divided into two areas: 1. Investigation 2. Supervision

Investigation Probation is a sentencing option (a consequence) for a person who has committed a crime. Probation officers write Pre-sentence Reports (PSRs). What three pieces of information do you believe are included in a PSR? (write them down and be ready to share)

What’s included in a PSR? Pre-Sentence Reports include information on the following: A narrative of the circumstance of the offense (what happened?) Defendant’s entire criminal history (including Juvenile offenses)

What else is Included? A description of the defendant’s lifestyle, including: Employment Financial Responsibility Substance Abuse Problems Education Contribution to the community

In your Opinion… Describe the type of person you believe would benefit by being placed on Probation. (Write down your response, and be ready to share and explain you answer)

Recommendation Probation Officer tells the Court what he thinks should happen in the section titled: Recommendation Might include: Time in custody (Jail Time) Restitution & Fines Drug testing, Counseling Order

Decision to Grant Probation PSRs are submitted to Court and the Judge reviews them in order to issue the sentence (punishment) Judge relies on the information included in the PSR PSRs help Judges make the best decision possible