Informal

• The court issues informal probation to people who did not necessarily break the law but are still deemed to need assistance. This is most commonly found in cases where the plaintiff has a psychological impairment or reported drug problems. The individual waives some of his Constitutional rights, such as protection from unreasonable search or seizure, during the probation term. He is also subject to regular drug testing. At the end of the probation term, the case is usually dismissed.
  
  

Non-Supervised

• Non-supervised probation does not require an official to be with the individual. It is commonly used for persons charged with light misdemeanors. The court expects her to conform to all the requirements of her probation period on her own accord. She is relatively free to conduct her daily life such as going to work and school. Non-supervised probation terms are relatively shorter as well. Some cases may require her to report to an officer at the end of her probationary period.
  
  

Standard

• Standard probation requires the individual report regularly to an officer. Common report intervals are biweekly and quarterly. Depending on the case, he would also have to undergo treatment or conduct community service as part of his probation term. During these activities, an officer typically accompanies him to ensure that he is completing his job. He is still allowed to have a regular livelihood but may be subject to surveillance. Movement to another state is also regulated under a standard probation; the court can make an exception to this depending on the circumstances such as a new job offer.
  
  

Strict

• Strict probation terms are reserved for repeat offenders, high profile cases and those convicted of group criminal activity. Those persons given strict probation are required to waive a significant amount of their Constitutional rights. They are subject to unwarranted search and seizure, regular surveillance and round-the-clock home and work visits. In some cases, the court may also require a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to be placed on the offender at all times. In many juvenile probation cases, the teen is subject to home detention in place of jail time.