What is the chance of probation for a first time felon?

Answer 1

The odds of a probation sentence are about as even as the odds of a maximum sentence. There is no "magic bullet" in these situations. It depends on the crime committed, the status of the offender (both societal and financial), the ability of the offender to secure competent council (paid vs. public defender), the prosecutor, where the prosecutor is in the election cycle, the judge, where the judge is in the election cycle, extenuating circumstances, additional elements of the crime (aggravated vs. not, violent vs. not, drug related components vs not, other parties' involvement and cooperation of the offender with the police and prosecution vs. not. These are but a few of the elements involved. There are far too many to list, including all of the daily individual factors of everyone involved in the case (i.e. if the judge had an argument with his wife before he left the house this morning, etc).Your best course of action is to keep your mouth shut, say absolutely nothing but your name and address, and hire the best lawyer you can (essentially find a way to fund a defense that equals three times your yearly income). Then and only then will you receive fair treatment under the law.

That is unless you yourself are a law enforcement officer. In this event, on the outside chance the case is even heard, if you are not acquitted, you should receive probation or a suspended sentence.

In most urban areas first time felony drug offenders usually get probation. First time felony property crime offenders for crimes such as stealing and sometimes burglary also usually get probation.