Adult Probation

Probation is the formal supervision of individuals who have been convicted of a felony offense or a misdemeanor which has been reduced from a felony offense. The individuals are given community sanctions rather than a prison term. These community sanctions may include:

  • A jail term
  • Housing at a rehabilitation treatment center
  • Community service work
  • Counseling
  • Education requirements
  • Other various requirements

The mission statement of the probation department is to consider the safety of the community and provide an individual with the tools and guidance to better themselves and avoid situations that invite criminal activity. This is to be accomplished by providing to clients individualized programming and supervision which includes

  • Intense supervision
  • Regular supervision
  • Periodic drug testing
  • Community service
  • Various counseling
  • Utilization of lock down facilities
  • Education requirements
  • Electronic monitoring

All probationers are required to follow the Shelby County Common Pleas Court Probation Rules (PDF).

County Common Pleas Court

All misdemeanor violations require an individual to be on probation for no less than 1 year and not more than 5 years. All felony offenders are required to be on probation no less than 2 years and no more than 5 years.

Before an individual is released from probation successfully, they must have all fines, costs, restitution and drug costs paid in full. They must have all counseling completed, all community service completed, and have abided by the rules with no infractions.

A goal of the Shelby County Adult Probation Department is to rehabilitate the offender. It is important to keep in mind in order to rehabilitate someone, that person has to be willing to change his/her current behaviors and be open to rehabilitation. You cannot force rehabilitation onto an offender. If an offender chooses not to use the tools properly, they are violated and probation revoked. Energy is then focused on the individuals that do sincerely want to better themselves.

Staff

The Shelby County Probation Department staff consists of a Chief Probation Officer and 4 probation officers.