In Harris County, Recidivism Rates for State Jail Offenders on Probation Much Lower Than Those Incarcerated

As the following graphs indicate, recidivism rates are much lower for state jail felony offenders who take probation in Harris County as compared those who go to state jail.

One of the prevailing issues found throughout the state is that many people are opting for state jail—which may only be a few months given the credit for time spent in county jail prior to trial—rather than up to five years on probation.

Legislation under consideration in the Texas Legislature would provide an incentive to take probation by allowing someone who is successful on probation to apply for a reduction in the offense classification to a Class A misdemeanor.