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1. I'm on Probation - what does that mean? What do I have to do?

Let's start at the basics – What is probation? Probation is a suspended state prison or county jail sentence. In other words, instead of being incarcerated, you have been given an opportunity to go back to your community provided you follow some specific conditions. All probation sentences are different; however, there are some standard conditions that apply to most if not all persons placed on probation.

1. You need to contact the Probation Department as soon as you are released from custody. If you are released after 5:00pm, please contact the department the next day. The Adult Probation Offices open at 8:00 AM and close at 4:30 PM.
2. When you contact the Probation Department, you will need to provide our support staff with your full name and date of birth. Our support staff will be able to give you the name and phone number of your assigned probation officer.
3. Your probation officer will schedule an appointment to meet with you. Please, make sure to keep your appointment and be on time. If you cannot make your appointment, you must call the day before to re-schedule.
4. Stay out of trouble! There are many challenges and difficulties getting your life back together, but if you need help or support, call your probation officer before you do something that may put you back in jail.

2. How do I find out who my Probation Officer (PO) is?

The Court usually instructs a defendant to report to the Probation Department after being sentenced or released from jail. This means that a defendant will often be reporting to the Probation Department before a probation officer has been assigned. When a defendant reports after court they will complete the paperwork required to set up their probation case with an intake probation officer. Normally within two weeks, the defendant will be contacted by their new supervision officer. If after about two weeks, there has been no contact from the probation officer, the defendant should contact the Probation Department. There are occasionally circumstances that may cause case assignment to be delayed.

3. Where are the Adult Probation offices located?

Adult Probation Office
3191 M Street
Merced, CA 95348

Trident Center
777 West 22nd Street
Merced, CA 95341

Los Banos Office
445 I Street
Merced, CA 93635

4. Can I transfer my case to another county for supervision?

You must complete all custody time before having your case transferred to another county. Before the transfer-out process can begin, your probation officer will request the following item(s) from you:

• Proof of residence (utility bill or rental agreement)

Once these items are received, you will be notified by a probation officer that your case is in the process of being transferred to another county. You may be required to appear in court for a 1203.9 transfer hearing; however, you will be notified prior to the court date. You must continue to follow your terms and conditions of probation and check in with your probation officer in Merced County as directed until you are notified that your case has been successfully transferred.

5. Can I transfer my case to another state for supervision?

All custody time must be fulfilled, and specific documents must be provided to the Probation Department to begin the transfer process.  A defendant must remain in California (unless you were a resident of that state at the time of your arrest in Merced County).  Anyone who wishes to move permanently to a different state must complete an application for probation supervision under Interstate Compact. Only when the application has been approved by both the sending and receiving states will the defendant be given permission to move permanently.

6. Can I travel out of county or state while on supervision?

Travel restrictions vary based on specific circumstances and the type of supervision. Contact your probation officer with questions about out of county travel. Out of state travel will require a travel permit issued by the Court, submitted at least 2 weeks before your date of travel.

7. My probation expired, now what?

Your probation case will be closed and you no longer need to check in. You may not receive notification from the Probation Department regarding your case being expired and closed. If you are unsure if your probation is expired you may contact Probation Department or the Court.

8. A warrant has been issued for me; Is there any way I can clear it?

If you are under regular supervision, contact your attorney, contact the Court that issued the warrant, or turn yourself into a local law enforcement agency or Probation Department.  It is important to resolve the outstanding issue as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, contact your Probation Officer.

9. Can my probation be terminated early?

Convictions for certain crimes require a minimum period of time on probation. A person on probation who wishes to have their case considered for early termination should contact their attorney. If they are eligible they can request that a court hearing be scheduled. Typically to be considered by the Court, the defendant must have completed at least half of their court-ordered probation period, completed all requirements of probation such as treatment programs and community service work, have all fines, fees and restitution paid in full and not have any negative law enforcement contact for a period of at least one year.

10. Can I vote while on probation?

Yes, please see the “Voting Rights: Persons with a Criminal History” from the California Secretary of State for more details.