What’s the difference between formal and informal Probation?
Courts may place an individual on informal probation with requirements that they do community service and possibly other terms. Adults on informal probation are not under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County Probation Department. All juveniles, both informal and formal are under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento County Probation Department. Typically informal probation does not include “searchable probation.” A person who has “searchable” as a condition of probation, may have their home, person and car searched by law enforcement. Formal probation is for more serious offenses. All adults placed on formal probation are under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department. They may be required to check in with an officer, subject to home visits, and stricter conditions for probation.
