Article 196 — Common Provisions: Period of Probation.

(1) In choosing either of the two forms of suspension (Arts. 191 and 192), the Court shall give grounds for its decision. It may not give an order of suspension unless the antecedents, character and attitude of the accused afford a reasonable presumption that the suspension will produce good results. (2) The Court shall fix the probation period imposed upon the criminal taking into account the gravity of his crime, the risk of a relapse and his reliability. The probation period shall be of at least two years and may not exceed five years.