Probation and Decision Making Process

Document Type:Coursework

Subject Area:Criminology

Document 1

The maximum jurisdictive period for a specific crime is one year and if the Probation Officer will recommend one year in a case where they feel that the offender will not abide by the terms of their probation. The report from the probation officer serves as the initial source of information that the court utilizes in making their decision. Therefore, the judge mainly depends on the information from the Probation officer since they are the ones dealing with the criminal on regular basis. Although judges respect the opinions of the Probation Officers, they also have the preference to apply any sentence that is permitted by law. After the investigation of the offender, the Probation Officer presents the court with the Presentence Investigation Report that may contain the victim impact statement that pronounces the effects of the offense on the identifiable victim or community (Burton, 80).

Sign up to view the full document!

More also, the Parole may use the statement to determine whether to offer the offender release on bail release and the conditions to enforce in the release of the offender. Various states advocates for use of this statement at plea bargain hearings, bail or pre-trial release (Ashworth, 53). Additionally, the state would provide more information about the damages incurred to the victim by the offender which may have not been available to the court. Therefore, since victims are not called to testify in the court, the statement is one way of letting the victim explain what happened during the incident. Therefore, through the statement, the victim is able to express their views about the offense and also confronting the offender who caused them harm.

Sign up to view the full document!

From $10 to earn access

Only on Studyloop

Original template

Downloadable