Federal probation is the attempt to reduce the rates of recidivism among the country’s most serious offenders. Repeat offenders in Pennsylvania contribute to high rates of drug misuse, fraud and violations of securities laws. One role of the United States Sentencing Commission is to review, monitor and report on the increasing or declining rates of crimes.
The success of federal probation
Federal probation is the alternative solution to prison sentencing for people convicted of federal crimes. Their job involves monitoring criminals, preventing their entry into the prison system and reducing the recurring rates of their crimes.
An average rate of one in every five people violate their probation terms, based on reports made by the USSC. The role of federal probationers is to reduce the rates of recidivism and decrease the number of federal offenses. A higher percentage of offenders engage in new criminal behaviors once they finish probation.
Severity of federal crimes
Criminal defense arguments often involve recommendations for probation. The average punishment for a federal crime is harsher than it is for a state crime. Many federal crimes involve multiple victims across state lines. The average sentences are 5 to 10 years in federal prison with fines up to $250,000. Many offenders are required to serve probation after being released from prison.
Federal crimes involve the most serious offenses and carry the harshest punishments. Criminal reform has allowed the use of federal probation to help criminals avoid fines and prison sentences. Federal agencies are responsible for keeping people out of federal prisons as they report on the success rates of their programs.