• White collar offenders inform the probation officer of all financial information.banking slips image by leafy from Fotolia.com
  
  If an individual commits a crime, the judge may sentence him to a probation term as opposed to prison. Most offenders, also called defendants, receive standard probation, which means they report to a probation officer as directed--usually once or twice a month. Summary or court probation is less restrictive and means the defendant is under court supervision only. Intensive probation, similar to home arrest, closely monitors probationer whereabouts.
  
  

General Terms

• The defendant must adhere to general terms and conditions of probation. He must obey all laws and work at approved employment. He must complete community service hours and any counseling as directed by the courts. He must pay all assessed court fees. He must report any contact with law enforcement personnel to the probation officer within a specified time frame.
  
  

Restriction of Rights

• Offenders have certain rights restricted while on probation. She may not use drugs, including prescription drugs, without a valid prescription. A probation officer may search her living space without the benefit of a search warrant at any time. The defendant may not move or leave the state (sometimes even the county) of residence without probation officer permission. The defendant must submit to alcohol or drug testing as directed. She may not possess any weapons.
  
  

Specialized Caseloads

• While specialized caseloads are technically still considered standard probation, larger jurisdictions use these for more effective defendant supervision. The probation department places defendants who have committed the same types of crimes on these caseloads. Caseload examples include sex offender, gang, domestic violence, white collar offender and first-time drug offender. The probationer is given additional specific terms and conditions that have been found to effectively address his issues. Sex offenders must complete specialized counseling and have residence restrictions. White collar offenders must disclose all financial information to the probation officer. Gang offenders may not associate with other gang members or wear gang colors. Domestic violence offenders may not contact the victim. First-time drug offenders must attend drug court as scheduled.