Guidelines

Goals of Probation

The goals of probation are to:

• 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.
• Ensure societies' needs are protected.

Probation will conduct pre-sentence reports and substance abuse assessments. These investigations assist the Judges with the sentencing phase of the judicial process. A defendant placed on probation agrees to comply with the specific conditions ordered by the court.

Mandatory Conditions of Probation

Defendants placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer must comply with all of the following conditions among others 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 the court.
• Make a truthful report to the Probation Officer as often as the Probation Officer may require.
• Notify the Probation Officer of any change of home address, telephone number 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.

• A period of incarceration of up to one year.
• Pay fines and costs.
• Restitution for medical and/or property losses.
• Participate in community service or community work programs.
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Educational programs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may attend AA/NA meetings online to fulfill your counseling/treatment probation requirement. Contact your Probation Officer for information and requirements.

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 discuss the progress of their probation and supply verification that all conditions of the Order of Probation are being met.

Probation Write-in Monitoring System

Defendants who request to move out of state may be ordered to report to Probation in writing monthly. The monthly supervision report must be received by the probation officer on the first day of each month. All questions on the report must be answered completely to comply with the write-in reporting requirement. If you have any questions, contact your Probation Officer immediately.