Adult Probation FAQ
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Stephen Eyrick,
Chief Probation Officer
Robert Schuster,
Deputy Chief Probation Officer –
La Porte Division
809 State Street Suite 101
La Porte, IN 46350
HOURS:
Monday through Friday:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lyn Swanson,
Deputy Chief Probation Officer – Michigan City Division
300 Washington St., Suite 337
Michigan City, IN 46360
HOURS:
Monday through Friday:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Corissa Strader,
Drug Court Coordinator
809 State Street Suite 101
La Porte, IN 46350
Ashley Wright,
Pretrial Services Coordinator
809 State Street Suite 101
La Porte, IN 46350
TOPICS
What is Probation?
When convicted of a crime, the law says the person convicted will be punished by serving a period of incarceration in the prison or county jail. However, rather than serving this custody time, the Court may choose to offer probation to a person convicted of a crime. If the convicted person agrees to probation, the Court will order certain conditions, which can include serving some time in jail, completing a treatment program, or paying restitution to the victim of the crime.
What is a “suspended sentence”?
In certain cases the Court orders a defendant to serve time in prison or county jail but then suspends that sentence, on the condition that the defendant successfully completes probation. If the defendant is successful on probation, they will not have to serve the suspended sentence. If the defendant violates probation, the suspended sentence can be imposed.
How can I get ahold of my Probation Officer?
Your Probation Officer may be contacted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at: (219) 326-6808 or (219) 874-5611. You may not be able to speak to your Probation Officer immediately, but voice mail is available to leave a message.
What is the difference between Pretrial Supervision and Probation?
Pretrial supervision is used to help those people not yet convicted of a crime to make all their Court hearings and not commit a new criminal offense. This is done with Court date text notifications, and in some cases, meeting with a Pretrial Services Officer. Probation, on the other hand, is a program where people are supervised after they have been convicted of an offense and often uses programming and other techniques to address areas in a person’s life that are causing difficulty.
What are my rights while on probation?
You have the right to be treated in a respectful and professional manner, free from any form of harassment, bias, or discrimination. If you have any problems or issues, speak with your Probation Officer.
Are my records public information?
Adult criminal conviction information is in the public domain, and may be accessed by anyone through the Clerk’s Office. However, specific personal data and information utilized by the Probation Department is not available to the public.
How are cases assigned?
Cases are assigned to Probation Officers on a random basis as received from the courts. Generally, you will be assigned to the next officer on the list. However, some cases are assigned to specific officers, such as sex offenders, when a defendant is already on probation with a particular officer, or when there is a conflict of interest.
How is the Probation Department structured?
The Chief Probation Officer serves at the pleasure of the five Judges in La Porte County. Each town, La Porte and Michigan City, is managed by a Deputy Chief Probation Officer, who both report to the Chief Probation Officer. The Drug Court Coordinator, Intensive Case Manager and Pretrial Services staff all report to the Chief Probation Officer.
Can I vote?
Yes, but you need to register in the county and district where you reside. You may need to restore your voting rights. Learn more about voting rights.
How often do I have to report to my Probation Officer?
Your Probation Officer may need to see you once a week, once a month, or some other interval depending upon your circumstances.
I was just released from custody – what is the first thing I should do?
You should contact your Probation Officer and report the next business day to the Probation Department.
What are some of the documents I should bring my first appointment, or Intake Appointment, with my Probation Officer?
- Photo identification (Driver’s License or State ID)
- Verification of residence (utility bill or business mail)
- Proof of employment (pay stub or note from your employer), if possible
- Documents verifying other means of support
What happens if I don’t report to my Probation Officer?
You may receive a letter directing you to report. Your Probation Officer may call you or visit your home. Failure to report may result in a violation of probation.
What are the rules for reporting to my Probation Officer?
Probation appointments should be a priority in order to maintain compliance with your Court Order. You must report on the day and time assigned by your Probation Officer. However, if you have an emergency and must reschedule your appointment, you must contact your Probation Officer before the scheduled appointment and reschedule for a different date or time. You must speak to your Probation Officer. Leaving a message without a follow-up call will constitute a missed appointment.
How do I find out my next appointment?
You can call the Probation Department phone number and enter extension 7751. You will be prompted to enter your personal code, which you establish at your initial appointment. You will then be informed of your next appointment and, if applicable, your next Court date.
What is Non-Reporting Probation?
A person placed on non-reporting probation, sometimes called informal probation, will be required to call in once a month using a program called MonitorConnect. The person will either call-in or check-in via the web and answer some basic questions. Probationers can remain on informal probation so long as they are compliant with all rules of probation.
What is Pretrial Services?
Pretrial services was instituted as a result of Criminal Rule 26, an Indiana Supreme Court order requiring Judges to consider the results of a risk assessment when making release decisions. Pretrial Services interviews all newly arrested persons in La Porte County and prepares a risk assessment and bond report for the Court. Initial hearings are held daily at 1:00 PM in the Superior Court No. 4 Magistrate Court. Pretrial Services also monitors and supervises person released to pretrial supervision.
What is the difference between Pretrial Supervision and Probation?
Pretrial supervision is used to help those people not yet convicted of a crime to make all their Court hearings and not commit a new criminal offense. This is done with Court date text notifications, and in some cases, meeting with a Pretrial Services Officer. Probation, on the other hand, is a program where people are supervised after they have been convicted of an offense and often uses programming and other techniques to address areas in a person’s life that are causing difficulty.
Can I transfer my Pretrial Supervision?
No.
What is a Presentence Investigation?
A Presentence Investigation is a background check and social history compiled by the Probation Department prior to sentencing, and provided to the Judge, Prosecutor, and your Attorney. Presentence Investigations are ordered in nearly all felony cases, and in some misdemeanor cases, if requested. The information from the Presentence Investigation is used by the Court to assist in determining an appropriate decision in your case. Presentence Investigations are considered confidential information, and are not released to the public.
Should I bring any information when appearing for the Presentence Investigation interview?
- Photo Identification (Driver’s license or State ID)
- All prescription medication
- Proof of employment (pay stub or note from your employer), if possible
- Copy of high school or college diploma/GED
- Social Security card
- Vehicle Registration
- Military discharge (DD-214)
- Copy of last year’s income tax return
- Verification of drug or alcohol treatment
- Names and phone numbers of any counselors, psychologists or psychiatrists you are seeing or have seen in the past
Why can’t I drink alcohol if I am on probation for a non-alcohol-related offense?
First, the Indiana Legislature authorized the rules of probation, including not using drugs or alcohol. The second reason is most offenses occur when a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or the offense is related to drugs or alcohol. When a person consumes alcohol, judgment is impaired and can lead to making bad decisions.
Why am I subject to drug testing when my offense is not drug-related?
All individuals are prohibited from using non-prescribed medication or illegal drugs. When a person uses illegal substances, judgment is impaired and bad decisions can be made. Additionally, use of an illegal drug requires the individual to possess the drug, which is a violation of probation for committing a new offense, drug possession.
What is a probation violation?
When a person on probation breaks any of the rules that were ordered by the Court, it is considered a probation violation. This can be either a technical violation, such as missing appointments, not going to counseling, positive drug test, etc., or a new arrest, where the person commits an offense while on probation. If there is a violation, your Probation Officer will file a probation violation and either issue a summons for you to appear in Court or issue a warrant. A probation violation can be filed any time during your probation period. If you are found to have violated your probation by the Court, the Judge could require you to serve your entire suspended sentence in jail or prison, no matter how long you have been on probation.
What should I do if I am re-arrested while serving a probation sentence?
If you are re-arrested, charged with any offense, or come into contact with the police, contact your Probation Officer immediately. You may do this in person or by phone.
What is a fifteen-day hold?
When a person on probation is charged with a new offense and arrested, they may be held fifteen days to allow the probation department time to file a probation violation. Fifteen-day holds are not used if the violation is a technical violation.
Can my Probation be transferred?
Generally, yes. There are two types of transfers, within the State of Indiana and outside the State of Indiana.
INTRASTATE (Within the State of Indiana):
If your residence is in another county, you may request to have your probation transferred to your local jurisdiction. In order to transfer, one of the following must be true:
- You reside in the receiving county;
- You work in the receiving county;
- You are taking educational courses in the receiving county; or
- You have other significant contacts in the receiving county.
However, transfers are subject to approval by the receiving jurisdiction, depending on a number of different criteria. There is also a mandatory transfer fee of $75.00, payable to the receiving County. In addition, all of your other fees you were ordered to pay must be paid up-to-date before a transfer is considered.
INTERSTATE (Outside of the State of Indiana):
A person can transfer to another State subject to Federal Rules. If you wish to transfer to another State, you must discuss this with your Probation Officer.
*Probationers who are allowed to transfer to other states or counties are required to abide by the local rules of probation as well as La Porte County Probation rules.
What do I have to do to travel out of state?
You must always have the permission of your Probation Officer as well as the Court prior to traveling out of state. Travel permission can be denied, subject to your current probation status. When requesting permission to travel out of state, be sure to bring in all pertinent information no less than two weeks before you plan to travel. The information you will need to bring must include the following:
- Why are you taking this trip?
- When are you going to leave and return?
- How are you getting there?
- Where are you going?
- Where you will be staying? (include address and with whom you will be staying)
- Who will be going with you?
How can I pay my probation fees?
Probation user fees and drug screen fees are paid through the La Porte County Probation Department. Either you can pay in person at the office or you can mail your payment to: Adult Probation Department, 809 State St., Suite 101, La Porte, IN 46350. Be sure your name, as well as your cause number, is on the money order. Your cause number is the number, which appears on all of your Court information, such as 46xxx-xxxx-xx-xxxx. ONLY CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MONEY ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED! We do NOT take personal checks. You can also pay your probation fees with a credit card or debit card online, through Government Payment Service, Inc. (Be sure to use code 2314). This service includes an additional fee. All other fees (Court costs, restitution, etc.) are paid in the Clerk’s Office.
Where do I pay Court fines, Court costs and restitution?
Court fines and Court fees must be paid directly to the Clerk’s Office of the Court that sentenced you.
I have information about a probation client who is committing criminal activity. How should I report this information?
You should contact your local police department or Sheriff’s Office or call 911.
Are my records public information?
Adult criminal conviction information is in the public domain, and may be accessed by anyone through the Clerk’s Office. However, specific personal data and information utilized by the Probation Department is not available to the public.
I know my ex-husband is on probation with you. Can you tell me where he is so I can collect child support?
The law prohibits the Probation Department from disclosing this information to you. You may contact the Child Support Office for assistance in obtaining child support.
I know my neighbor is on probation. What can you tell me about him?
The law prohibits the Probation Department from disclosing this information to you as a general rule. If the department determines an offender is a threat to your personal safety, you may be advised of this threat. Megan’s Law determines that you may learn the identity of sex offenders within your neighborhood through the Sheriff’s Office or Police Departments.
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