Alabama Code 12-14-13. Probation

(a) Municipal courts may suspend execution of sentence and place a defendant on probation for varying periods of time, not to exceed two years.

Attorney's Note

Under the Alabama Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:

Class	Prison	Fine
Violation	up to 30 days	up to $200

For details, see Ala. Code § 13A-5-7

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Terms Used In Alabama Code 12-14-13

Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
writing: includes typewriting and printing on paper. See Alabama Code 1-1-1

(b) The court may require such investigations as may be deemed necessary and desirable to be made by a probation officer or such other suitable person or persons as the court may designate as to the circumstances of the offense and the criminal record, social history and present condition of the defendant.

(c) The court may suspend the execution of sentence and continue the defendant under an existing bond or may require such additional bail as it deems necessary pending the disposition of the application for probation.

(d) The court shall determine and may, at any time, modify the conditions of probation and may require the probationer to comply with the following or any other conditions:

(1) To avoid injurious or vicious habits;

(2) To avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character;

(3) To report to the probation officer or other person designated by the judge;

(4) To permit the officer to visit him at his home or elsewhere;

(5) To work faithfully at suitable employment as far as possible;

(6) To remain within a specified area;

(7) To pay the fine and costs imposed or such portions thereof as the judge may determine and in such installments as the judge may direct;

(8) To make reparation or restitution to any aggrieved party for the damage or loss caused by his offense in an amount to be determined by the court; and

(9) To attend defensive driving schools, alcohol countermeasure programs or courses where available and support his dependents to the best of his ability.

(e) The probation or other officer designated by the court shall investigate all cases when directed to do so by the court and report in writing thereon if the court so directs. The officer, if so designated, shall furnish to each probationer released on probation under his supervision a written statement of the conditions of probation and shall instruct the probationer regarding the same. Such officer shall keep informed concerning the conduct and conditions of each person on probation under his supervision by visiting the probationer and requiring reports from the probationer or others and shall report thereon in writing as often as the court may require. Such officer shall use all practicable and suitable methods, not inconsistent with the conditions imposed by the court, to aid and encourage persons on probation and to bring about improvement in their conduct and condition. Such officer shall keep detailed records of his work and shall make such reports in writing as the court may require. The officer so designated shall have, in the execution of his duties, the power to arrest probationers and the same right to execute process as is given by law to peace officers.

(f) All reports, records and data assembled by any probation officer and referred to the court shall be privileged and shall not be available for public inspection except upon order of the court to which the same was referred. All probation reports completed and filed shall be subject to inspection by the defendant or his attorney.

(g) The period of probation or suspension of execution of sentence shall be determined by the court and may exceed the length of the sentence, and such period may be extended a period of two years from date of sentencing.

(h) Upon the satisfactory fulfillment of the conditions of probation or suspension of sentence, the court shall, by order duly entered on the minutes, discharge the defendant.

(i) At any time during the period of probation or suspension of execution of sentence, the court may issue a warrant and cause the defendant to be arrested for violating any of the conditions of probation or suspension of sentence. Any probation officer with probable cause to believe a probationer has violated the conditions of probation may arrest such probationer without a warrant. In case of an arrest without a warrant, the probation officer shall prepare a written statement setting forth that the probationer has, in his judgment, violated the conditions of probation, and said statement shall be sufficient warrant for having probationers brought forthwith before the court for determination as to probable cause for the charge of probation violation. The court may order detention of the probationer pending further hearing, after which the court may revoke the probation or suspension of sentence and order and adjudge that the sentence be immediately executed.

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