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1. What is the difference between probation, Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), mandatory supervision, and parole?

Any adult offender that is committed to a state institution for a violent offense will be released on parole. They will be supervised by state parole officials and the Probation Department will have no jurisdiction over their case with respect to supervision. Offenders that are placed on probation may be supervised by the Probation Department or may be on conditional release/summary probation. With respect to conditional release/summary probation cases, individuals are on probation directly to the court and are not supervised by the probation office. Individuals sentenced to the state prison for a non-violent offense will be supervised on PRCS by the Probation Department.

Additionally, individuals sentenced to serve in Lake County Jail on a prison sentence will serve a portion of their sentence on mandatory community supervision.

2. If someone is placed on probation in another county or state, but they reside within Lake County, which agency supervises them?

Other jurisdictions may request "courtesy supervision" of the Lake County Probation Department. If the request is granted, our agency will provide supervision services. However, in some cases, the other county or state does not request courtesy supervision which means that we have no supervision responsibilities/rights over the individual.

3. How long are offenders on probation?

Juvenile offenders may be on probation until age 21. However, the court may order a shorter period of supervision. The standard term of probation for an adult offender (felony) is 3 years, although this term can be 5 years or more, depending upon the crime.

4. What is the Probation Department's responsibility with respect to offenders that have been adjudicated or convicted, but not yet sentenced?

With the exception of minor traffic matters, all juvenile offenders and all adult offenders convicted of a felony are referred to the Probation Department for a presentence investigation and recommendation before sentencing occurs. It is therefore possible that Probation staff will be engaged in this particular activity, but that the offender will not be placed on probation at sentencing.

5. What information can I obtain about a probationer from the Probation Department?

Generally, the law prohibits dissemination of information about probation clients, especially juveniles, by the Probation Department. However, victims of crimes may be entitled to limited information and should contact the department with their request. Remember, the Probation Department does not handle all cases, therefore, victims may find it necessary to contact the District Attorney, or the Victim-Witness Division of the District Attorney's Office - depending on the case.

6. Can I access information from the Probation Department about my spouse or adult child that is under their supervision?

No, they have a right to confidentiality even with respect to their spouse or parents. Parents of juvenile offenders are provided with a substantial amount of information concerning their children.

7. Restitution? I am a victim and I have not received a restitution payment for some time. What agency should I contact?

It is important to remember that the Probation Department does not collect restitution in every case. Please refer to the agency that initiated contact with you regarding this issue. This may be the Collections Department for the County of Lake. You will have had contact with a probation officer if we are involved in the collection of your restitution.

8. Why can't Juvenile Home staff handle probation issues and questions?

Although Juvenile Home staff are under the direct control of the Chief Probation Officer and the facility is a division of the Probation Department, statutes clearly define their duties. Specifically, juvenile correctional officers and Juvenile Home staff are in charge of the custody, security and control of offenders detained within the facility. Current law mandates that probation officers handle most casework issues that are related to offenders that are detained within the Juvenile Home. Do not contact juvenile correctional officers on holidays or weekends in an attempt to resolve probation (supervision) issues.

9. Can I bail out my child (juvenile) that has been booked into the Juvenile Home?

Current law does not allow juvenile offenders to post bail.

10. May I, as a parent of a juvenile offender, bring money to the Juvenile Home for my child's commissary privileges?

Commissary privileges are not available to juvenile offenders. You may not bring money into the facility for your child.

11. I was informed by law enforcement that I could pick my child up at Juvenile Home. How do I accomplish this?

Once a juvenile is booked into the detention facility, only a probation officer or a juvenile court judge can have them released to a parent or relative. Law enforcement generally causes offenders to be booked into the facility, but they have no authority with respect to when and how that offender is released.