A probation is the period during which a person, "the probationer" is subject to critical examination & evaluation. Probation is a trial period that must be completed before a person receives greater benefit or freedom. In the criminal justice system probation is a particular type of sentence for criminal defendants. The judicial authority to order a sentence of probation is granted in statues on the state level. Generally probation allows a convicted defendant to go free with a suspended sentence for a specified duration during good behavior. Probationers are placed under supervision of a probation officer & must fulfill certain condition.