The court may place a person on probation for a specified period upon conviction of any offense or upon suspending imposition of sentence if, having regard to the nature and circumstances 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.

(Code 1964, § 7.490)

     State law reference(s)--Similar provisions, RSMo. § 559.012.