How to Complete Probation-Five Stumbling Blocks to Successfully Completing Your Probation
Posted on May 14, 2012 12:50pm PDT
So you have been sentenced to probation. I know, it seems like the end of the world, but I assure you it is not. Whether this is your first time with probation or you think you are a pro by now, this guide is intended to warn you of some stumbling blocks or causes of violations of probations. For newcomers to probation, keep these in mind and work around them. For the pros, I am sure you will recognize some of these causes to having trouble with probation and there are some tips here to help you not make the same mistake again.
1. Lack of time
By definition and function, probation takes time. Many probationary sentences require an immense amount of dedicated time to complete. Activities such as community service work, rehabilitation programs, or classes take hours upon hours to complete. Most people are still trying to hold down jobs, care for families, and have some time left for things they need to do. A good way to get around this is to create a budget with your time. Yes, this is very similar to budgeting your income. You know what you are going to have to do to successfully to complete probation and you know how long you have to do it. Make small goals along the way to accomplish and turn into your probation officer. Use a calendar to lay out a workable plan to complete these smaller goals. If you are able to meet these smaller goals along the way, you will successfully complete probation and not be in danger of becoming incarcerated. And always remember, you cannot do it all at once and it is likely even if you do, you will still have to be on probation!