Adult Probation

Supervision

The department provides probation services for adult offenders convicted and sentenced of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes by the Chisago County District Court.

Petty Misdemeanors / Minor Traffic Offenses

Adults convicted of petty and minor traffic related misdemeanors are supervised by a case aide at a low level of supervision. The case aide reviews the court's order and enforces the conditions specific to each case. Typical conditions include payment of a fine, restitution, participation in an educational class specific to the offense, and possibly a period of incarceration.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor DWI cases are supervised by probation officers. The court orders are reviewed and a probation contract is drafted which outlines the probation conditions specific to the case. DWI cases are supervised for 2 years. Gross misdemeanor DWI cases are supervised for up to 4 years. The supervision level is based on the offender's score on a risk / needs assessment.

Typical probation conditions include:

  • Attendance at a MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • Completion of a formal Chemical Use Assessment
  • Could result in participation in an alcohol education class or in chemical dependency treatment
  • Fine
  • Jail sentence

Domestic Assaults

Adults convicted of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses are all supervised by a probation officer with a specialized caseload. After reviewing the court order, a probation contract is drafted which outlines the probation conditions specific to the case. A formal Domestic Abuse Investigation is completed on all cases, which results in a requirement to either complete a domestic abuse treatment program or an anger management program. If chemical abuse is an issue, chemical dependency treatment may be required.

The case is supervised for 2 years at a supervision level determined by the offender's score on the Level of Service / Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), a risk / need instrument. Typical probation conditions include a jail sentence, fine, completion of a required class or treatment program, and restitution.

Intensive Supervision Program for Repeat DWI Offenders

Adults convicted of multiple DWI offenses can be court ordered to participate in the DWI ISP program. This program requires:

  • Chemical dependency treatment or relapse treatment
  • Curfew
  • Fine
  • High level of probation supervision
  • Participation in a Cognitive Skills program
  • Period of incarceration
  • Random drug testing
  • Several weeks of electronic alcohol monitoring

The ISP program usually lasts 12 to 18 months and is followed by a lower level of supervision until discharge from probation.

Military Veterans

In 2016, Chisago County Probation created a specialized caseload for adult military veterans placed on probation; this caseload consists of one Agent. In 2018, this Agent supervised 133 cases. The Agent provides the court with written and oral reports to assist with the issuance of an appropriate, evidence-based disposition as well as post-sentence intake. Furthermore, the Agent acts as a liaison between the court, other county departments, local/state/federal agencies, the veterans’ administration, treatment providers, as well as the public, to assist offenders formulate and maintain a positive support network in the community.

The assigned Agent maintains a military understanding relationship and trust with the offender to assist in maintaining compliance. The Agent provides offenders ranging from low-to-high risk, as well as those on the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) with direct links and contacts to the Veterans Administration through the local Veterans Service Officer for healthcare and maintains close case management with the Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists in Minneapolis and St. Cloud.

Group Report

This caseload consists of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor level cases (non-intimate partner victim) of offenders sentenced to probation who score at administrative or low risk per risk assessments. Administrative cases are supervised to assure compliance with court-ordered conditions. Offenders who score low risk are placed on Group Report and are mandated to personally meet with their Agent monthly at which time a discussion is held regarding the progress of completing court-ordered conditions; the first Wednesday of each month was designated as Group Report Day. Once an offender has completed conditions, s/he is moved to administrative probation until the expiration of their probation term. Offenders on this caseload do not have a military veteran status. When applicable, Group Report Agents also provide supervision of offenders on pretrial release supervision if a new offense/charge occurs while currently on probation on this caseload.

Enhanced

Clients assigned to this caseload are considered to be at a significant risk of recidivating due to higher scores on department risk assessment tools. Upon probation intake, the client participates in a risk assessment that would be appropriate for their conviction; an AUDIT if the offense is alcohol related and the LSI-R Screener for other offenses. Clients are assigned to this caseload if they score within the medium to high range on the risk assessments. These clients are seen weekly to bi-weekly based on their score.