Probation

Probation is a sentencing alternative in which defendants, age 17 or over, after being convicted of a misdemeanor, are supervised in the community by a Probation Officer. The defendant is usually permitted to reside at home, maintain employment and carry out normal daily activities. A defendant placed on probation agrees to comply with specific conditions of the court. The goals of probation are to:

  • Assist the defendant in understanding the cause of their behavior and facilitate rehabilitation.
  • Utilize, coordinate and develop appropriate community resources necessary for rehabilitation.
  • Eliminate delinquent and anti-social behavior, enabling the defendant to live within the rules imposed by society.
  • Ensure the defendant is fulfilling the requirements of probation.

Probation Officers also conduct pre-sentence reports and substance abuse assessments. These investigations assist the Judges with the sentencing phase of the judicial process.

Mandatory Conditions of Probation

Defendants placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer must comply with all of the following conditions during their term of probation:

  • Not to violate any criminal law of any unit of government.
  • Not to leave the State of Michigan without the written consent of the court.
  • Make a truthful report to the Probation Officer as often as the Probation Officer may require.
  • Notify the Probation Officer of any change of home address or change in employment status.

Supplemental Conditions of Probation

To further the goal of rehabilitation, for a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor, the Judge may order additional conditions of probation, based on the needs of the defendant, victim or the community.

  • A period of incarceration of up to one year.
  • Pay fines and costs.
  • Restitution for medical and/or property losses is often ordered on crimes committed against a person.
  • Attend a counseling or substance abuse treatment program, as a result of a substance abuse conviction.
  • Participate in community service or community work programs.

Meetings with the Probation Officer

At the first appointment, the Probation Officer reviews the Order of Probation, explains the defendant’s responsibilities, answers questions regarding the terms of probation and gives the defendant goals to be achieved by the next appointment. At each meeting with the Probation Officer, the defendant will discuss the progress of their probation and supply verification that all conditions of the Order of Probation are being met.

Probation Automated Monitoring System

Low-risk offenders or those in need of additional reporting requirements may be ordered to report to the Probation Automated Monitoring(PAM) system. PAM is an automated kiosk that is located in the Southfield Public Safety Building. Defendants may report to the PAM kiosk seven days a week, 24 hours a day. PAM permits defendants to report electronically by answering a series of questions, which are specifically designed for each defendant. Probation Officers and defendants can also electronically send messages to one another through the PAM. Defendants reporting to the PAM kiosk pay an additional fee of $5 per month. At the present time, over 450 defendants report to PAM.

Reporting to Your Probation Officer

If your Probation Officer has permitted you to report via e-mail, you must complete the Supervision Report. The monthly supervision report must be received by your Probation Officer on the first day of each month. All questions on the report must be answered completely to comply with the e-mail reporting requirement. If you have any questions you may either contact your Probation Officer at (248) 796-5850 or e-mail them at the address listed below.

Probation Officer E-mail Addresses

Online and Printable Forms

For your convenience the following forms may be downloaded:

Frequent Telephone Numbers

  • Probation Department - (248) 796-5850
  • Probation Department Fax - (248) 796-5855
  • Misdemeanor/Felony Division - (248) 796-5880
  • Driver Intervention Program - 1-888-347-1394
  • City of Southfield Human Services - (248) 796-4540
  • ETRS - (248) 354-3585
  • EIP - (248) 693-0336

Payment Instructions for Probation Payments

In Person at the 46th District Court:

 Cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard or debit card

By Mail (DO NOT MAIL CASH): 

Make check or money order payable to: 46th District Court (U.S. Funds). Write case number on the check or money order.

By Telephone: 

Call Government Payment Services Inc. Toll-free 24 hours a day at (888) 604-7888 for credit card payments. You must provide Government Pay with a case number. Please note you will be charged a transaction fee for this service.