Probation has proven to be a successful alternative to incarceration because it often gives the defendant an opportunity to receive their punishment in a way that will benefit them in the long run. Depending on the severity of the crime and what is in in their criminal history, if they have one, the guilty party could receive house arrest, take mandated courses, or perform community service in exchange for time served or even a clean slate. With probation, the offender is able to correct their mistake and possibly avoid jail time, which is probably a better option for anyone. To add, it costs the courts and state less money to offer a different option other than incarceration. In an article I found, it states ” Frequently, punishments other than prison or jail time place serious demands on offenders and provide them with intensive court and community supervision … Alternatives can also reduce prison and jail costs and orevent additional crimes in the future …” (famm.org)
