Arizona judges in the position of deciding what will happen to a juvenile as a result of their criminal activity have the option of placing them in Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision also known as JIPS. This program provides intensive supervision to many juveniles in Arizona as an alternative to out-of-home placement such as jail or other juvenile institutions.
The JIPS program was designed as a means to divert juvenile offenders who may be in need of a highly structured probation program that is closely supervised by a JIPS team. This team includes a juvenile probation officer and surveillance officer. The team not only supervises the juvenile offenders, but also supplies information about the offenders to local law enforcement, who in turn help with supervision and control.
Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision offers significant benefits both to the community and the offenders by:
- Eliminating incarceration costs - the JIPS program is considerably less expensive and leaves room in prisons and jails for more serious offenders.
- Rehabilitating offenders – juveniles participating in the program are required to complete community service and pay victim restitution.
- Enhancing supervision – the JIPS team’s close supervision of the juvenile offender is in better compliance with terms of probation and law-abiding behavior.
Participants in the program are required to comply with specific conditions including attending school, employment, supervised community work and living in a location approved by the JIPS team. They are also required to submit to regular drug and alcohol tests and complete specific goals and expectations set by the court.
If you or your child is a juvenile facing criminal charges in Mesa AZ, you may be eligible to participate in the Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision program. It’s important to speak with a Juvenile Attorney as soon as possible. Working with an experienced lawyer who understands the options and has a working relationship with the courts can greatly help your chances of taking advantage of a program such as JIPS.
There are some specific eligibility requirements to participate in JIPS and an attorney such as Charlie Naegle can help you determine if you qualify. Give Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys a call today to set up your free consultation with Mr. Naegle.