Probation Definition
The word probation found its origin in this state of Massachusetts given by John Augustus, a Boston based owner of a shoe company .The word actually means a person who is convicted of an offense has been legally sanctioned by the court to reside within a community. Every US state defines its own laws for the person in probation. However in case of Massachusetts probation, a criminal can lead his or her life in a society but only under the strict custody of a probation officer.
Massachusetts probation officers
The office of the Commissioner of Massachusetts probation serves as a department for the state’s Trial Court System and acts as an administrative office for Trial Court. The District probation officers and the Superior Court probation department, deals with all the criminal cases in the state. The Superior court specifically looks after the felony cases. Over all there are 12 Superior courts and 70 District court probation offices in the state. There is a Juvenile court department which handles cases of delinquency, young lawbreakers, cases of abandoning and exploitation as well as Children in Need of Services (CHINS) case. Officers supervise the civil cases in Probate and family court which handles cases of divorce, fatherhood, guardianship, visitation and child support.
Massachusetts Probation Service
This organization of Massachusetts probation service is managed by the probation officers and the officer of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP). They not only administer the criminals but also work for the betterment of the entire neighborhood. They offer several novel programs for the people of the neighborhood such as community services, Warrant Apprehension, Fatherhood and Mother’s Programs, The Night Light Program, Anger Management Program, as well as Volunteer Programs.
Massachusetts Probation Guidelines
A person under Massachusetts probation needs to follow certain guidelines such as reporting to the probation officer once a week, provide proof of your residence and employment, a supervision fee of $65 per month or eight hours of community service, programs ordered by the court should be followed, if found positive for drug or alcohol test one may have to surrender before the court, home visits many be made at will of the probation officer without prior notice, a probation officer is free to impose extra rules on the offender to guarantee the safety of the community.
Massachusetts Probation Violation
Massachusetts Probation violation can occur due to a number of reasons such as not informing an alteration of address, not appearing for a drug test, committing another offense or failing any other rule of being in probation. In probation violation case one has to apply for probation surrender after which the court decides the next plan of action. The offender will be allowed to defend the charges.
Massachusetts Criminal records
The office of Commissioner of Massachusetts probation has the right to use all the probation records kept in the state court. The office also has the power to conceal the criminal records of people who fulfill certain conditions. This department also maintains an automated record of Statewide Domestic Violence. All these are confidential data which are not made public.
Sources
http://www.mass.gov/courts/probation/whatisprobation.html
http://www.masscriminaldefense.com/probation.htm
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciscig/l/l11l13.htm
http://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,1607,7-119-1435—,00.html