This Issue Paper examines probation terms imposed in the District for cases sentenced between 2015 and 2024, comparing them across sentence types, demographics, and specific offenses to identify patterns and trends in how probation is applied. Probation length remains a largely unexamined area of sentencing policy, in part because the Guidelines do not set recommended terms of probation. In D.C. Superior Court, the sentencing judge has complete discretion to set the term of probation for each conviction, provided it does not exceed five years. By analyzing recent sentencing data, this paper offers insight into current supervision practices and may inform future policy discussions to further promote fairness and consistency in sentencing and supervision within the District.

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