Administrative functions include monitoring changes in procedures and legislation, working with other courts, law enforcement agencies and a network of providers in the treatment community with whom the Probation Department interacts. For more information on the Probation Prgram, click on the links below.

1. Probation can be an alternative to jail.
2. It is a method of monitoring progress in various programs.
3. It is an attempt to modify activities that are unlawful.
4. It is the method the Court uses to determine if its directives are being followed.
5. It is a way to record willingness and cooperation in modifying behavior.

Cooperation is the single most important factor during probation. Certain records are important and should be given to the Probation Officer as soon as possible:

1. Changes in address or telephone number
2. Changes in employment
3. Receipts for fines and costs, restitution, pay to stay, counseling fees and supervision fees

Providing this information allows a prompt evaluation of your status, thereby permitting you to complete your probation in the shortest time possible.

1. All supervision fees are to be paid monthly.
2. Community Service days are considered 8 hour days, unless otherwise provided for by the Probation Officer.
3. You are required to meet with the Probation Officer once a month.

MOST COMMON REASONS FOR REVOCATION OF PROBATION:

1. Missing Appointments
2. Missing Community Service
3. New Violation
4. Failing a drug or alcohol test.
   

All money orders or cashiers checks must contain your name and case number. This allows the Court to properly credit your case with the payment. The money order or cashiers check must be made payable to: Paulding County Court.

Mail payment to:

Paulding County Court
201 East Caroline St., Suite 2
Paulding, OH 45879

Research has shown that furthering one’s education lessens the chance for reoffending. The Probation Department has developed several in-house educational programs which have been tailored to meet the needs of our offenders. The Thinking for a Change; C.A.D.E. and Anger Management programs are directed at people who have not succeeded in more traditional behavior modification programs. All classes are held in the Probation Department office for a nominal fee or no fee at all. Registration is required.

Q: What Does It Mean To Be “On Probation?”
A: After an offender is found guilty of committing a crime, the Court can suspend the sentence and place the offender under the supervision of a Probation Officer, or place the offender in a local jail or correctional institution, followed by a period of probation supervision. While on probation, offenders must obey all laws and follow the specific orders issued by the Court.

Q: What is the Difference between Probation and Parole?
A: Probation is a condition of an offender’s original Court sentence by the Judge. An offender can be sentenced to probation only and be required to follow any number of specific stipulations as outlined in the Court order. An offender may also be sentenced to jail time plus probation and also be required to fulfill specific stipulations demanded by the Court, including regular reporting to a Probation Officer. Parole is a condition of early release for someone coming out of prison. There are usually a number of restrictions placed on a parolee and he/she is closely supervised by a parole officer (either state of federal, depending on the type of prison.)

Q: What does the Probation Department do to help offenders with alcohol and drug problems?
A: The Probation Department, in conjunction with public and private providers, offers intensive alcohol and drug treatment to adults sentenced to such programs. Those who fail to participate may be returned to Court for alternative sentences, including jail.

Q: Can I use a gun to hunt while on probation?
A: Your rights as a citizen are restricted until your probation is terminated. Under the Standard Rules and Conditions of Probation you shall not purchase, own, possess, use or have under your control any firearm, dangerous ordinances, weapons or explosives of any kind, or be in the company of any person possessing the same.

Q: Can I go out of State while on probation?
A: You shall not leave the State of Ohio without the prior permission of your Probation Officer for any period of time exceeding 24 hours. You shall not leave your county of residence for any period of time exceeding 24 hours without the prior permission of your Probation Officer.

Community Service is a condition of probation that requires probationers to perform services without compensation for the benefit of the community. This sanction not only provides a service to the community but also enhances accountability and helps instill responsibility. Community Service is ordered by the Judge and is administered through the Probation Department.

The Community Service Coordinator places probationers at a variety of work sites throughout Paulding County. The sites are either not-for-profit organizations or government agencies. The needs of the community as well as the skills of the probationer are considered when making placements. In some cases, probationers are permitted to perform community service outside of Paulding County, with the prior approval of the Probation Department.

If a probationer fails to comply with the community service mandate, the case is brought back to court for a violation of probation hearing.