I am below 21 years old, am I eligible for probation?
If you are below 21 years old, you are eligible to be placed on probation instead of receiving a fine or facing jail term for all types of offences. However, the Judge must first call for a probation suitability report, where a probation officer will assess your suitability for probation. If you are found to be suitable for probation, the Judge may place you under probation, where you will be supervised by a probation officer.
You will also be required to comply with any conditions that may be imposed with the probation order. Such conditions may include attending the necessary courses / programmes recommended by the probation officer and a curfew. The Court may also require your parents to provide a bond to ensure that they supervise your behaviour and compliance with the probation conditions.
A probation order may last for a period between 6 months to 3 years.
At the same time, the Judge may concurrently call for a Reformative Training suitability report. If you are found unsuitable for probation, the Judge may order that you serve a stint in Reformative Training Centre (RTC).
If you are above 21 years old, you may still be eligible for probation, depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the punishment is fixed by law. However, this does not apply if you have been charged with an offence where there is a specified minimum sentence or mandatory minimum sentence.
It would be in your best interest to consult a lawyer to get a better understanding on your charge(s) and whether probation is a likely sentence that you would be facing. The last thing you would want is to assume that the Judge will grant you probation and miss the opportunity to get a good defense for your charge(s).
If you require more information that are not listed in our articles, or legal advice on a specific matter, please contact us for a free first consultation.