The court may place a person on probation for a specific period upon conviction of any offense or upon suspending imposition of sentence if, having regard to the nature and circum-stances of the offense and to the history and character of the defendant, the court is of the opinion that:
(1) institutional confinement of the defendant is not necessary for the protection of the public; and
(2) the defendant is in need of guidance, training or other assistance which in his case can be effectively administered through probation supervision; or
(3) the defendant poses a significant danger to society such that continuing court supervision is appropriate.
History: 1979, PL 16-43 § 2; 2004, PL 28-9.