Probation

Responsibilities of Probation Officers

The Wadsworth Municipal Probation Department serves at the behest of the Honorable Stephen B. McIlvaine. There are two main responsibilities delegated to the probation officers.

Conducting Investigations

The first is to conduct presentence investigations on defendants who are awaiting sentencing for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-degree misdemeanor offenses. The purpose of this investigation is intended to provide the Judge with a presentence report that will have pertinent, up to date information about the defendant, to aid the Judge in handing down an informed and appropriate sentence.

The presentence report incorporates a thorough background check that includes a narrative of the offense, the defendant’s education, employment, medical, social, and criminal history. Victims are encouraged to submit a victim impact statement, which is made a part of this report.

Supervising Individuals on Probation

The second is to supervise individuals placed on period of probation (anywhere from 6 months to 5 years). In most cases, a jail sentence is ordered, but suspended upon certain conditions. Should a defendant fail to fulfill the requirements set forth by the Judge, a probation violation will be filed, and the defendant can be ordered to serve part or all of the suspended sentence.

Financial sanctions may include restitution, fine, Court costs, and probation fees. Community service is routinely ordered in 24 and 48-hour increments. Home arrest is also a frequently used sanction. Depending on the offense, counseling addressing drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, sexual offenses, and theft behaviors will be ordered.