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A sentence to probation is ordered by the Court after an adult defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of a criminal offense. A juvenile may be sentenced to probation if adjudicated a delinquent by the Court because of a criminal act. The Probation Department also supervises offenders who reach an agreement for a deferred sentence or adjudication with the District Attorney’s office.

A presentence report is a document prepared by the Probation Department about a specific defendant. The report provides the Judge with information about the offense, victim impact and the defendant to help with the sentencing decision. Presentence reports are prepared for juveniles and adults.

Adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor offenders can be placed on probation. On rare occasions a youth adjudicated for a petty offense may be on probation. A risk assessment is conducted on each probationer to determine the level of supervision necessary to reduce the potential to re-offend. Higher risk offenders receive intensive supervision rather than regular probation. Defendants charged with drug related offenses may have their cases assigned to Adult or Juvenile Drug Court, requiring intensive supervision directed to supporting sustained sobriety.

Yes, in fact over half of the sex offenders who come through the Judicial system are granted probation. Adults who are convicted of a felony sex offense and granted probation are placed on Intensive Supervision Probation (SOISP). SOISP is a specialized program within probation and it is designed to provide a high level of supervision that can include, but not limited to treatment with a Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) certified therapist, frequent home and office visits, polygraph testing, risk assessment, ankle monitoring (must be court ordered), urine analysis testing and safety planning. There are three phases within SOISP, and the level can be adjusted based on the probationer’s progress on supervision. Adults who are convicted of a misdemeanor level sex offense are placed on probation and are required to attend treatment along with similar restrictions based on their risk level. Juveniles who commit sex offenses are also sentenced to probation and treated very differently than adult probationers. Typically, juveniles serve up to two years on probation and required to attend treatment along with following the terms and conditions of their probation.

Information about an adult’s sentence is considered public information and is available from the District Court Clerk’s office. Juvenile information is confidential.

The Probation Department provides services to victims consistent with the Victim Rights Amendment through Victim Services Officer. Individual Probation Officers are responsible for enforcing restitution orders and other conditions of probation.