Supervised probation is a type of criminal punishment that allows a person convicted of a crime to avoid imprisonment. The offender is released from jail while being monitored by a probation officer and must follow specific rules and regulations, such as drug testing, counseling, community service, and finding and maintaining steady employment. The specifics of supervised probation differ based on the jurisdiction and the offense committed. The offender must periodically report to a probation officer, either weekly or monthly, by phone or in person, while also following typically stricter conditions established by the court. Violations of the terms of supervised probation may result in fines, further community service, or possibly the revocation of probation and return to jail. Supervised probation is typically reserved for more severe crimes or second-time offenders.