Political factors have influenced the development of a double standard toward poor clients. A definitive effort, however, must be made to deal with structural injustices in the courts and the Probation Service and with the socioeconomic problems that cause poor individuals to offend and reoffend. Probation officers need to be trained in how to resolve conflict, and court case reports must be written fairly and accurately so that the conditions and needs of the poor are incorporated. Poverty-related offenses cannot be excused, but courts and the Probation Service need to understand relevant political and social issues associated with meeting the needs of poor clients. Both individual probation officers and management officials should be involved in eliminating structural injustices and discriminatory practices. 2 references