Do Convicted Felons Go to Prison?

Abstract

Data from the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics provide nationwide sampling of dispositions by state courts. The findings from a representative national sample of the approximately 583,000 felons convicted in state courts in 1986 show that many felons convicted in state courts either were not incarcerated or served only a few months' incarceration in conjunction with probation. Only 40% went to prison. The percentage going to jail was 6%, while 31% received probation only and 21% received brief jail or prison sentences along with probation. Implications are discussed.