Probation Division

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 1,500 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.

19th District Court Probation Department - Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm

MADD (Victim Impact Panel)

In concert with the Wayne County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Court conducts monthly Victim Impact Panels.

Convicted drunk drivers are ordered to attend the sessions as a condition of their sentence. Once there, the offenders hear victims and survivors of victims vividly describe how drunk drivers have affected their lives and their families.

There is a $35.00 donation for the program

AA (Alcohol Anonymous)

Every Tuesday evening of the month 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Traffic School

Saturdays by appointment only 10 am – 12 p.m. Set by the Clerk's Office ($35 fee per session).

19th District Court Probation Department - Staff

Drug Court Probation Officer Katherine Slabaugh 313.943.3022

Probation Officer Patricia Lehr 313.943.2859

Probation Officer Silvana Chami 313.943.2069

Probation Officer Dawn Roberts 313.943.3059

Probation Officer Amy Wyatt 313.943.2871

Work Program Coordinator Zena Simmons-Claxton 313.943.3094

Juvenile Probation Officer Silvana Chami 313.943.2872

Administrative Assistant Ellen Janks 313-943-2121

Administrative Clerk Samira Dakhlallah 313-943-3019