Misdemeanor Probation was established as a department of Nez Perce County Justice Services in 1998. The purpose is to address selected defendants who are guilty of misdemeanor offenses by supervising their compliance to the terms of probation, and to hold offenders accountable in some meaningful way. Probationers are offered the opportunity to remain in the community while addressing their needs and paying back the community in any number of ways. Offenses typical to misdemeanor probation include, but are not limited to:

• Driving Under the Influence
• Domestic Violence, Stalking, Violation of Protection Orders.
• Petit Theft
• Battery
• Misdemeanor possession of controlled substance and paraphernalia
• Driving Without Privileges
• Various felonies amended to misdemeanors

Through collaboration with various community and social service agencies and partners, and with various treatment and counseling services, the department hopes to provide appropriate intervention to offenders to enhance their competencies and reduce future re-offending. Referrals may include any of the following:

• Appropriate evaluations
• Substance abuse treatment
• Domestic violence treatment
• Mental health services
• Counseling
• Anger Management
• Cognitive restructuring program
• Educational / vocational opportunities
• Parenting programs
• Job searches
• Sexual offender treatment

• Commit no crime;
• Do not change residence without first notifying probation officer;
• Report regularly as directed;
• Report all contacts with law enforcement;
• Make no false statements to the probation officer;
• Use no illegal substances or mind altering drugs not prescribed by a physician;
• May be ordered to pay intake fees or monthly supervision fees.

In addition, when deemed appropriate the Court may order any of the following:

• Community Service;
• Substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, sexual offender or other appropriate evaluations;
• Counseling, treatment programs, educational programs, job readiness programs, and mandatory employment or job searches;
• Breath or urine testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol;
• Consume no alcohol and enter no bars;
• Restitution to the victim;
• No Contact Order with the victim;
• Search of residence, vehicle, person and property;
• Electronic home detention or GPS monitoring.

Minimal probation is less intensive and usually does not require face-to-face probation meetings throughout the period of probation.

In addition, Misdemeanor Probation supervises a Diversion program for youthful first-time offenders who are generally charged with alcohol offenses.

Probation Violations can invoke a variety of responses including:

• Additional Court hearings;
• Additional community service;
• Increased supervision;
• Payment of suspended fines and serving suspended jail sentences;
• Evaluations as deemed appropriate;
• Additional terms and requirements of probation and/or an extension of the period of probation;
• Electronic monitoring;
• Termination of probation and all suspended penalties can be invoked.