FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS SUPERVISION?
Supervision or Probation is a privilege granted by the court in lieu of incarceration due to the offender breaking the law. Each offender will report to an assigned probation officer as directed for supervision. It is the duty of the Probation Department to ensure each offender follows and obeys the conditions of probation. The supervision goals of the Probation Department are to protect the community and assist in the rehabilitation of the probationer. Supervision level and reporting frequency are determined by the risk to the community and level of needs of each probationer.
WHAT IS A PROBATION OFFICER or CSO?
A probation officer or community supervision officer employed by the 2nd 25th Judicial District supervised offenders sentenced to probation instead of incarceration. Their role involves monitoring the offenders compliance with regards to court-ordered conditions of probation while collaborating and guiding their clients towards successful reintegration into society. This role of probation officer balances legal enforcement with rehabilitation efforts. The work of a probation officer is integral to the judicial process, aiming to reduce recidivism and enhancing public safety. The probation officer is a qualified professional who is available to help with problem solving, class referrals, employment guidance who creates individual case plans for each client and is invested in their overall success. A probationer who has doubts or questions concerning any phase of probation should consult his or her probation officer immediately.
WHEN AND WHERE DO I REPORT?
Reporting to the probation officer is a critical element of the probation process. It is the responsibility of each probationer to report as directed in order to avoid returning to court as a probation violator. The Probation Department maintains regular office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
It is your job to contact your assigned probation office and reschedule your appointment if you are unable to attend. Failure to do so will count as a FAILURE to REPORT.
WHERE DO I PAY MY FEES?
If you are sentenced to probation in District Court, your fines, court costs, crime stopper fee, and appointed attorney's fees are paid at the office of the District Clerk for the county you are sentenced.
If you are sentenced to probation in County Court, your fine and court costs are paid at the office of the County Clerk for the county you were sentenced in.
Fees for probation supervision, DWI School, DOPERS, DWI Intervention, Anger Management, Pre-Trial, and Restitution are paid to the County Probation Department you were sentenced in.
WILL I LOSE ANY OF MY CIVIL RIGHTS?
Individuals sentenced to Felony Probation lose the following rights:
- The right to serve on a jury.
- The right to vote.
- The right to hold public office.
- The right to bear arms.
Individuals sentenced to Deferred Adjudication felony probation DOES NOT lose civil rights, however they are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under Federal Law
Persons placed on misdemeanor probation lose the following civil rights:
- The right to serve on a jury if the offense is theft (Art. 35.26, CCP).
- The right to bear arms if convicted of a domestic violence assault.
WHAT IS PROBATION REVOCATION?
If at any time during the period of probation a probationer violates any of the conditions imposed by the court, a warrant may be issued for arrest. After a court hearing, the probation may be revoked and a sentence imposed if the defendant was convicted of the offense and sentenced to probation.
For those granted deferred adjudication, if a probationer violated any of the conditions imposed by the court, a warrant may be issued for arrest. If found guilty of a violation, the probation will lose their deferred status, adjudicated on the the original offense and they may be revoked and sentenced to incarceration or returned to probation with their sentence modified and a felony conviction.
I HAVE SOME PROBLEMS, CAN YOU HELP?
Probation officers are trained to observe and identify specific problem areas in the life of a probationer, which might cause that person to conflict with the law. Problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse, family discord, or unemployment, jeopardize the opportunity of the probationer to successfully complete probation. If a problem area is identified, the probation officer will refer the probationer to an appropriate program or agency designed to help resolve the problem.
2nd 25th Judicial District
Community Supervision & Corrections Department (CSCD)
