The 1,147 probationers were compared to a sample obtained from the remainder of the population. Candidate predictor variables that might account for offender decisions in favor of probation or incarceration were categorized according to two groups, demographic variables and initial client assessment scores, and variables that correlated with choosing elect-to- serve were identified. The strongest predictors for choosing incarceration were being under intensive supervision and having financial difficulty, whereas the strongest predictors for not choosing incarceration were being under the lowest level of probation supervision and being over 24 years of age at the time of first conviction. 8 references, 2 notes, and 4 tables