Probation Department

Probation
Probation is a sentencing alternative in which defendants, age 17 or over, after being convicted of a misdemeanor, are supervised in the community by a Probation Officer. The defendant is usually permitted to reside at home, maintain employment and carry out normal daily activities.  A defendant placed on probation agrees to comply with specific conditions of the court. The goals of probation are:

• Assist the defendant in understanding the cause of their behavior and facilitate rehabilitation.
• Utilize, coordinate and develop appropriate community resources necessary for rehabilitation.
• Eliminate delinquent and anti-social behavior, enabling the defendant to live within the rules imposed by society.
• Ensure the defendant is fulfilling the requirements of probation.

Probation Officers also conduct pre-sentence reports and substance abuse assessments. These investigations assist the Judges with the sentencing-phase of the judicial process.

Mandatory Conditions of Probation
Defendants placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer must comply with all of the following conditions during their term of probation:

• Not to violate any criminal law of any unit of government.
• Not to leave the State of Michigan without the written consent of of the Court.
• Make a truthful report to the Probation Officer as often as the Probation Officer may require.
• Notify the Probation Officer of any changes of home address or change in employment status.

Supplemental Conditions of Probation
To further the goal of rehabilitation, for a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor, the Judge may order additional conditions of probation, based on the needs of the defendant, victim or the community.

• A period of incarceration of up to one year.
• Pay fines and costs.
• Restitution for medical and/or property losses is often ordered on crimes committed against a person.
• Attend a counseling or substance abuse treatment program, as a result of a substance abuse conviction.
• Participate in community service or community work programs.

Meetings with the Probation Officer
At the first appointment, the Probation Officer reviews the Order of Probation, explains the defendant's responsibilities, answers questions regarding the terms of probation and gives the defendant goals to be achieved by the next appointment.  At each meeting with the Probation Officer, the defendant will complete a Supervision Report of Probation, discuss the progress of their probation and supply verification that all conditions of the Order of Probation are being met.

Probation Payments
Payment instructions for probation payments are as follows:

• In person at the 20th District Court: Cash, check, money order, Visa, Master-card or debit card.
• By mail (DO NOT MAIL CASH): Make check or money order payable to: 20th District Court. Please write your case number on the check or money order.  No out of state checks will be accepted.
  
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