What is the legal term for a procedure that allows a convicted defendant to avoid imprisonment?

Probation refers to a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, rather than serving time in prison. When a defendant is sentenced to probation, the court provides an opportunity for rehabilitation while still holding the individual accountable for their actions. This usually comes with specific conditions that the defendant must adhere to, such as meeting regularly with a probation officer, attending counseling, or maintaining employment. If the individual successfully completes the probationary period without violating any terms, they do not have to serve their imprisonment sentence.

Other options like community service, parole, and house arrest serve different purposes and do not specifically apply to the same legal context as probation. Community service is often given as a form of punishment or restitution rather than a means to avoid imprisonment. Parole involves early release from prison, where a person is still under supervision after serving part of their sentence. House arrest is a form of confinement allowing individuals to stay at home, but it is typically seen as an alternative punishment instead of a strategy to avoid initial imprisonment.