Probation is an alternative to imprisonment that allows offenders to remain in the community under court-ordered stipulations. Most first-time offenders convicted of less severe crimes are eligible for probation. Probationers are required to regularly report to a probation officer and pay monthly fees until their probationary period ends. Probation aims to give offenders a chance to prove they can abide by the law and improve themselves without reoffending. However, probation officers supervise many cases, so some probationers can fall through the cracks and fail to receive adequate monitoring to ensure they do not commit new crimes. Not all offenders reoffend, as some view probation as an eye-opening experience that deters future criminal behavior.