Probation is granted by the presiding judge as a sentence that allows an offender to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. This decision is made after careful consideration of the offender’s background, behavior, and potential for successful rehabilitation.

A probation officer is an officer of the court responsible for investigating, supervising, and reporting on the conduct of offenders who are placed on probation. Probation officers monitor probationers’ compliance with the terms and conditions of their probation and provide guidance and supervision to promote successful completion of their sentences.

Probation officers are also responsible for conducting pre-sentence investigations and alcohol assessments, preparing reports for the court, and conducting Probation Violation Hearings as directed by the court.

The purpose of probation is to engage eligible offenders in targeted alternative programs available through the Probation Department and within the community. These programs are designed to educate, rehabilitate, and address the underlying behaviors that contributed to the offender’s violation at the time of sentencing.

The Probation Department provides both investigation and supervision services to the 48th Judicial District Court. The Department works exclusively with individuals age 17 and older and provides services designed to promote accountability, rehabilitation, and successful compliance with court-ordered conditions.

The probationer will be required to appear before the court for a "probation violation" hearing.

You have the right to provide evidence demonstrating that you have complied with the judge’s order. You also have the right to be represented by an attorney.

If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the Court may appoint an attorney to represent you, if you qualify. For more information, please visit the Court Appointed Attorney page.

The burden of proof at a probation violation hearing is the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This means the prosecutor must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the probationer violated one or more of the terms and conditions of probation.

If a person is found to have violated the terms and conditions of probation, the Court may revoke probation, impose a period of incarceration, or continue probation with additional or modified conditions.

If you are ordered to appear before the Court for a “show cause” hearing, you must appear before the judge on the date and time stated in the Show Cause Order.

If possible, you should bring all documents and other evidence that support your position. This may include receipts, canceled checks, correspondence, or other documentation demonstrating that you complied with the Court’s prior order.

Failure to appear at a scheduled show cause hearing may result in the Court issuing a bench warrant for your arrest. A failure to appear may also result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

A bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual who is the subject of the warrant. A bench warrant may be issued when a person fails to appear in Court at the date and time ordered for a required court appearance. Bench warrants may be issued in both criminal and civil proceedings.

A failure to appear does not necessarily mean that a person intentionally avoided a court appearance. However, when a person fails to appear while released on bond and awaiting a criminal trial, the Court may revoke the existing bond and set a new bond amount. The new bond may be higher and must generally be addressed when the individual is arrested or brought before the Court.

Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 1.110, fines, costs, and other financial obligations imposed by the Court are due and payable at the time they are assessed, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

The primary purpose of an evaluation is to provide the Court with relevant information and recommendations concerning the individual being evaluated. The evaluation report generally addresses areas such as:

1. Mental and emotional status: What is occurring mentally and emotionally with the individual being evaluated.
2. Special needs: Whether the individual has any special needs that should be identified and addressed.
3. Treatment and placement: Recommendations regarding an appropriate treatment plan and/or placement based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.

Alcoholics Anonymous® (A.A.) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with one another to address their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. The organization is self-supporting through voluntary contributions. A.A. is not affiliated with any sect, denomination, political organization, institution, or other outside organization. A.A. does not engage in controversy and neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Its primary purpose is to help individuals remain sober and assist others in achieving sobriety.

For additional information, you may access the Brief Guide to A.A..

Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) meetings may be ordered as a condition of probation. Telephone numbers and website information may be provided below to assist individuals in locating local meetings.

Individuals ordered to attend meetings may also be required to complete a meeting attendance verification form at each meeting attended and submit the completed form as directed by the Probation Department.

Alcoholics Anonymous
Hotline: 248-332-3521

Narcotics Anonymous
Hotline: 248-543-7200

Pretrial Services involves investigators who interview individuals arrested for felony or misdemeanor offenses to gather and verify information relevant to their eligibility for release.

The information obtained during the investigation is compiled into a written report and provided to the Court for consideration when making release decisions. The report may be made available to the judge, defense attorney, prosecutor, and probation officer.