What is Probation Before Judgement?

Answer 1

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a type of sentencing usually reserved for first-offenders. The offender admits that that they're guilty and the judge grants a PBJ and the offender is placed on probation for specified length of time. If the offender successfully completes probation without any violations, the offender will not have a conviction on their record! If the offender violates their probation, the offender will be found guilty of the first offense and this will be then placed on their record.

A PBJ is the best verdict one could receive except not guilty of course. A PBJ is usually a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Rarely is it given for a subsequent offense.

PBJs are given frequently in the State of Maryland, especially for first offense DWI/DUI. I'm not sure about any other jurisdictions. I'd suggest Yahooing it and take a look.

Answer 2

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RE:
What is Probation Before Judgement?

Answer 3

Probation is a condition where you are ordered not to engage in any (additional) criminal conduct, specific or general. If the person commits any other criminal activity, then whatever sentence was previously imposed triggers automatically.

It's common when someone is out on bail before trial concludes. The court makes bail contingent on good behavior. If the person commits any other crimes, then bail is revoked.

UPDATE: The answer below is more accurate. Go with that.

When I've seen that type of contingent sentencing, it was called "Continued without a Finding with a Contingent Dismissal". I hadn't seen the term PBJ used in that context.

Answer 4

Above answers are acurate. Just thought I would add that it is alternatively known as "deferred adjudication" in that if the probationary period is satisfied without incident, there is no actual adjudication of the offense. Normally the main advantage of deferred adjudication (at least in the states I am familiar with) is that if the probation is successful, it does not require an entry of actual guilt and the offense is essentially forgiven and forgotten. Typically applies to lower level crimes (most common, traffic violations).