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Mission statement
The purpose of the Chardon Municipal Court Probation Department is to monitor and document the behavior, progress, successes, and failures of our clients; to recommend a broad variety of services and assist our clients in recovery; to enforce the rules and orders of the court; and to balance the needs of our clients with the safety and security of the communities we serve.
Our mission is to professionally and respectfully provide our clients with whatever skills and tools they need to make positive life changing decisions that will not only impact themselves but also their families, friends, and ultimately society as a whole. We will accomplish this goal by providing our clients with a structured environment conducive to change and lifelong skills and tools that will assist in their recovery. This will give our clients a sense of personal achievement, pride in their accomplishments, and to become a productive citizen.
- Toward this end, we:
- Complete thorough and accurate investigations;
- Monitor offenders and enforce compliance with court orders;
- Provide assistance to victims (i.e., collection of restitution);
- Provide opportunities to change for offenders under our supervision;
- Maintain a trained and knowledgeable staff;
- Communicate with law enforcement, correctional, and other community agencies in Geauga County or adjacent Counties.
- Core Values of the Probation Department
- Community Protection
- Effective Communication
- Professionalism
- Quality Service
- Objectivity
What is probation?
Probation is an alternative to incarceration. Whenever a portion of your sentence (possible jail time) is suspended the court may retain jurisdiction for a given period of time (maximum time permitted by law five years). The court will order that you comply with certain conditions during that time to include but not limited to: no new law violations, submit and report for “random” urine screens, no positive urine screens or refusals, comply to treatment requirements with proof to the court, no contact with a victim and/or report updated contact information. If term # 2 is marked on terms of Community Control /Probation, you will be responsible to report ANY change in address, telephone number(s), employment, and contact with law enforcement
Additionally you will need to notify probation if you are TEMPORARILY leaving the state (one [1] day or more) until off probation.
The court monitors your compliance with these conditions through the probation department whether you are on active or inactive probation. There are typically two (2) types of probation, supervised (active) and unsupervised (inactive) probation in which you will be assigned a probation officer to oversee your case throughout your probationary period.
What is the difference between Active and Inactive probation?
Active probation: you are assigned a probation officer that actively monitors your compliance with regular meetings (face-to-face meetings) and a more hands on approach. Generally, you will report once per month or as assigned by the officer. Probation is the Court's monitor to ensure that you comply with terms of Community Control /Probation of your sentence.
Inactive probation: you are also assigned a probation officer that actively monitors your compliance by checking your file and running your name every several months; however, it also requires your attendance with your probation officer for at least one (1) face to face contact as well as a minimum of one (1) random call in, if term #4 is marked on your terms of community control/ probation.
*Active probation cases moved to inactive status will be required to continue to comply with any and all terms of probation for the duration of their sentence to include random drug screens (see Term 4) as deemed necessary by the court/ probation department
How long will I be placed on probation?
The length of probation is determined by the Judge at the time of sentencing.
Who is my probation officer?
Your probation officer will be assigned by the Chief Probation Officer upon receipt of your disposition. If you do not hear from the probation department within sixty (60) days of sentencing, please call (440) 286-2649.
What are the court’s standard rules of probation?
At the time of sentencing, if the offender is found guilty and placed on probation, the sentencing Judge will explain the terms and conditions to the offender which he/she is assigned. Upon completion of sentencing, a copy of these terms and conditions will be given to the offender after court. Some of these include a prohibition against use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs, a curfew, reporting dates, refraining from criminal activity, and compliance with any agreed payment schedule for the probationer's fines and costs. A copy of your terms and conditions are attached to your sentencing disposition sheet upon leaving the court.
How does home arrest work?
In some cases the Court will order that a Defendant be placed on electronic monitored house arrest with privileges to leave the house for certain activities, such as work and treatment. In most cases, the house arrest conditions will also include an alcohol monitor by which the probationer is required when called to use the equipment to demonstrate that he/she has not consumed alcohol. The equipment and service is paid for by the probationer and includes an ankle bracelet to provide confirmation of the probationer's whereabouts.
Please visit the E.M.H.A. webpage for further information.
How does Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) work? How much does it cost?
The defendant is under the supervision of Chardon Municipal Court but remains alcohol monitored twenty four (24) hours a day for seven (7) days per week. The defendant wears an electronic monitoring device to ensure compliance. The defendant must pay the installation and daily fees. If the SCRAM monitoring device is ordered, the defendant will receive specific information about it in Court. After that, the defendant will need to arrange an appointment through the Probation Department for his/her SCRAM monitoring device.
Please visit the SCRAM webpage for further information.
How does the ignition interlock work? How much does it cost?
The driver must periodically blow into the interlock machine, which is installed in his/her vehicle. If any alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath, the interlock machine will not allow the car to start. The defendant must pay the installation and daily fees. If the interlock system is ordered, the defendant will receive specific information about it in Court. After that, the defendant will need to arrange an appointment through the Probation Department for his/her driving privileges.
If my license has been suspended by this Court as a result of a DUI conviction and I was not given driving privileges at the time of sentencing, how can I obtain driving privileges?
You must file a written motion for limited driving privileges. The judge reviews and rules on your request.
May I perform community service in lieu of paying my fines and court costs?
N/A
Are appointments for the Probation Department available on Saturday or Sunday?
No. The Probation Department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Do you have a "First Offender's Program?"
Yes. You may discuss this option at your initial Court appearance with the Prosecutor to see if you qualify.
How many points are on my driving record?
The number of points accumulated on a person’s driving record can be found by contacting the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A link to the Ohio Department of Public Safety is http://bmv.ohio.gov/ .
Can I have my DUI conviction expunged?
No. Traffic offense convictions cannot be expunged.
What happens when a probationer violates probation?
When the Probation Department becomes aware of a potential probation violation, they will issue a notice to appear for a violation hearing unless the court orders that a warrant be issued. The notice will include a date and time for hearing and the specific violation that is alleged.
A hearing is conducted before the Judge where the probationer enters a plea and the matter is heard or set for a later date. Bond may be required if a later date is set.
If a probationer is found guilty, the Judge may impose the balance of suspended jail time and/or fines. The Judge may also "stay" the jail time on specific conditions, extend probation, add additional requirements or restrictions to the probation conditions, such as house arrest or treatment.
The failure to appear for a probation violation hearing will result in the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the probationer and a warrant block on driving privileges, vehicle registration, and issuance of an operator's license.
If I am sentenced to attend the 72-hour driver intervention program where can I go?
Please visit the OVI/DUI 72-hour program webpage.
If I am sentenced to serve jail at the Geauga County Sheriff's Office, what am I allowed to take to the jail?
Please visit the Geauga County Safety Center Jail webpage.
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