UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

for the Western District of Michigan

Robert Holmes Bell

Chief Judge

Ronald C. Weston, Sr.

Clerk of Court

By what day of the month must my P.O. receive my written monthly report?
The written monthly report is due to the U.S.P.O. between the third and fifth day of each month.

Who do I call to learn about an offender’s situation or give information to an officer about an offender.
Most records regarding offenders are considered confidential, yet some are public record. By calling the main office or number of office nearest the offender’s residence, you will be able to learn the officer assigned to the case and can speak with the officer about your concerns.

Who do I call if someone in my family has been arrested and taken to federal court?
All initial appearances following an arrest occur either in Grand Rapids or Marquette. By calling the main office number, you will be directed to the officer handling the pretrial investigation. All persons arrested will make an appearance in court where it will be determined if the defendant is released or detained. Your information may be helpful to that decision.

Are persons on probation allowed to drink alcohol?
Some are, depending upon the conditions ordered in the judgment. Others are instructed not to abuse alcohol.

Will my P.O. come to my home or workplace?
Yes. The U.S.P.O. shall make both home and workplace visits to ensure compliance with the conditions of supervision and to assess your adjustment at home and in the community.

What does the probation office do with information gathered during a presentence investigation?
The information gathered in the course of the presentence investigation is placed in report format and submitted to the judge to use in formulating a sentence. All information gathered is the property of the U.S. Court and not for public disclosure.

What is a Judgment in a Criminal Case Order?

A judgment order is a legal document which outlines the conditions an offender must fulfill following sentencing in court. This order will outline the amount of time to be spent imprisoned, as well as, the amount of time on supervised release, or probation. The standard conditions requires the offenders to keep the peace and be of good behavior and to appear before the court when required to do so. Depending upon their individual needs offenders may be required to, but not limited to:

• participate in counseling programs

• abstain from the use of alcohol and/or other prohibited drugs

• make restitution for any damages caused

• perform community service work

Who is a Probation Officer?
A probation officer is a trained professional who conducts pretrial investigations, prepares pre-sentence reports for the courts and supervises offenders within the community. A probation officer assesses the offender to determine the risk of re-offending and to identify individual needs.

What is Community Service?
Community service may be imposed by the court as an alternative to imprisonment. It requires an offender to perform volunteer work for a non-profit agency in the community as one of the judgment conditions.

What is Electronic Monitoring?
Electronic Monitoring is a system for keeping track of offenders who are serving their prison sentences in the community. The system includes a portable transmitter which offenders wear around their ankle. This unit sends out a radio signal that is picked up by a receiver attached to an offenders' home telephone. The signal is monitored 24 hours a day by an electronic monitoring specialist (probation officer).

If the equipment is tampered with, or if offenders leave their homes without permission, probation staff are alerted. Offenders can be returned to custody if they violate any program conditions.

Are offenders on the Electronic Monitoring allowed out of their homes?
Offenders must stay inside their homes unless they have permission to leave. Permission to be absent during specific times will usually be given for the following reasons:

• to attend community-based counseling programs

• to work

• to attend school

• to obtain medical care

• to participate in activities beneficial to the community and/or offender.

If convicted of a felony, will I ever be able to own a gun again? To be able to go hunting with my family?

No. As a convicted federal felon, your right to own a firearm is forever prohibited. The only exception would be to apply for a Presidential Pardon. This paperwork can be obtained from the probation officer.

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