Expectations While On Probation

Probation is a Court ordered sentence served outside the confines of a Jail or Prison. Probation is a privilege, not a right or a guarantee. All probationers have the responsibility of abiding by their court orders and conditions of probation. All court orders include conditions of probation. Many of them are standard such as, "Not violating the laws of any governmental unit, reporting as instructed, paying court ordered payments, etc." Many court orders include "special conditions" of probation. These include community service, alcohol and drug counseling, and anger management counseling.

It is the probationer's responsibility to carry out these "special conditions" in a timely manner. Your probation officer will give you guidelines as to when these conditions should be completed. It is the probationer's responsibility to have these conditions completed within the timeframe as instructed, and to provide proof that they have completed the conditions.

Below are standard guidelines that Supervision Services, Inc. requires of all probationers:

REPORTING:

SSI requires some type of weekly reporting in most but not all cases. Reporting requirements are done on a court by court and case by case basis. Reporting frequency will be explained during your initial Intake appointment.

COURT ORDERED PAYMENTS:

SSI generally requires probationers to make payments on a weekly basis. This is also indicated on each probationer’s court order. Payment amounts are set up depending on the amount of the fine that the probationer receives. We realize not everyone is paid on a weekly basis and provisions are made for that. Be advised that all fines include State mandated surcharges and probation fees. So while a judge may state a fine is a certain amount, it also carries additional surcharges which generally adds 25% of the fine amount.

SSI charges a $38 per month probation fee and we are also required to collect $9 per month which is sent to the GEORGIA CRIME VICTIMS EMERGENCY FUND (GCVEF). SSI accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks for payment or you may pay online at: www.supervisionpayments.com. WE DO NOT ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

The amount of Community Service hours ordered varies with each case. A general guideline for completion of these hours is as follows:

Your probation officer will advise you of the completion date for these hours during your initial Intake.

ANGER MANAGEMENT:

When Anger Management is ordered it must commence with 30 days of sentencing.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG EVALUATIONS:

Alcohol and Drug evaluations must be completed by a licensed counselor within 30 days of sentencing. Any recommended treatment must begin immediately.

JAIL TIME:

In most cases when jail time is ordered, a date is set by the Judge for someone to turn themselves in. Be advised that the Probation Officer does not have the authority to change this date. If no date is set, SSI requires jail time to be completed within 3 weeks.

RISK REDUCTION AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES:

These courses must be completed within the probationary period. We do not refer Probationers to any certain school that offers these classes. There are numerous classes available in most towns, or you may contact the Department of Driver Services for a complete list.

The above is a general summary of what is required of all Probationers. As previously stated, each Court and Probation case is different. However, failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of Probation and is grounds for arrest and revocation of probation.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REPORT AND KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR PROBATION OFFICER TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH YOUR PROBATION REQUIREMENTS.