When a defendant appears before the court for sentencing, he or she may be placed on probation with the court. The 19th District Court's three judges place more than 1,000 defendant's on probation each year. The probationary period for a misdemeanor may last up to two years. The court may impose any condition that it feels will help the defendant become a more productive person and citizen in society. Some of the conditions which the court may impose may include counseling, substance abuse treatment, paying restitution or assignment to the Community Work Program.

The role of the probation officer is to assist the court in making recommendations to the court for sentences by conducting a pre-sentence investigation. This is done after the probation officer meets with the defendant and discusses the defendant's past criminal or traffic history, current employment status, and family situation. The probation officer may also do an alcohol/drug assessment if the offense warrants one. It is mandatory to do an assessment if it is a traffic offense and alcohol or drugs were involved.

Once the defendant is placed on probation the probation officer assists the defendant in meeting the conditions the court has imposed. This is accomplished by assigning a probation officer to each defendant placed on probation. The probation officer meets with the defendant on a regular basis to discuss their progress. If any defendant fails to abide by the conditions set by the court, the probation officer may ask the court to revoke the defendant's probation, which could result in further consequences to the defendant.

Volunteer Probation Officers

Concerned citizens have the opportunity to participate in the rehabilitation process through the Court's Volunteer Probation Officer program. After completing a training a training course provided by the Probation Office staff, volunteers handle a caseload geared to their availability during regularly scheduled evening hours. (For more information, call 313.943.2871).

19th District Court Probation Department - Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Volunteer Probation Hours

1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wednesday of the month 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm*

19th District Court Probation Department - Staff

Drug Court Probation Officer Katie Slabaugh - Monday 313.943.3022

Probation Officer Patricia Lehr 313.943.2859

Probation Officer Simone Calvas 313.943.2871

Probation Officer Silvana Chami 313.943.2069

Probation Officer Dawn Roberts 313.943.3059

Juvenile Probation Officer Silvana Chami 313.943.2872

Administrative Secretary Ellen Janks 313-943-2121