How long will I be on Probation? [Probation]
Offenders are on probation until the court releases them. This means even if all
your court-ordered requirements have been completed, you must continue to
report to your probation/pretrial officer until the officer informs you that
the court has closed your case.
Why do I have to take a drug screen if my charge did not involve drugs? [Probation]
If you are on local probation, drug testing is a standing condition of probation regardless of your charge. It is a part of your conditions of probation that your officer will go over with you at intake.
I do not have a license or a job. I have no way to get to your office. If I do not report to your office, why am I in violation? [Probation/Pretrial]
You were ordered by the court to complete this program. You have been afforded an opportunity to receive probation or pretrial supervision and not receive a jail sentence or remain in jail. You must abide by the Court's order and report. If you do not report as instructed, your officer must report it to the Court and the Judge will decide what your outcome will be.
Sometimes when I report in I do not see my probation/pretrial officer, I see another one, why? [Probation/Pretrial]
Although you are assigned to a particular officer, there are times when your officer will be in court, with another offender or possibly off from work. We
work as one agency, and our goal is to get you seen and make sure you are
complying with the court's order.
What happens if I am arrested and refuse the pretrial interview? [Pretrial Investigation]
Refusal of the interview will result in the court having less information on which to base a decision concerning admission to bail. A criminal history summary,
obtained from court records and official sources, will be provided to the
courts. Refusal of the interview is not, however, viewed as an admission
of guilt.
How do I get into Drug Court? [Drug Court]
You must acknowledge abuse or dependency on drugs/alcohol, be 18 years of age at sentencing, be represented by an attorney at program entry, reside in Hopewell, Prince George County, Surry County, be approved by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and be charged with a qualifying offense. You will need to have your defense attorney as for a drug court assessment.
If I fail one drug or alcohol screen, will I be terminated from Drug Court? [Drug Court]
The Drug Court team knows that relapse happens to offenders in recovery. There are graduated sanctions built into drug court that the offender will review before entry into Drug Court. These sanctions can be at a minimum of assignment to treatment or the maximum of termination from the program. This depends upon the progress/attitude of the offender.
How come my probation/pretrial cannot be transferred out of state? [Probation/Pretrial]
We are local programs and not State Probation. There are not agencies in other states that are identical to local probation or pretrial services
What is the difference between Local and State Probation and how do I know which one I am on? [Probation]
The sentencing court will clarify if you are on State Probation or Local Probation. While State Probation is part of the Department of Corrections, Local Probation supervision is primarily funded by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. By VA State Code, the duties and responsibilities of State Probation and Local Probation are very different.
I was told I would be monitored in Court, does that mean I am on probation? [Probation]
That means the Court has ordered you to complete an obligation such as anger management, community service, etc. but did not place you on supervision. RCJA helps offenders complete those obligations as a courtesy to the Courts.