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1. What services does the probation department provide?

Itasca County Probation operates under the county probation delivery system. Upon being appointed by the Judges of the Ninth Judicial District, probation officers must "act under the orders of the court in reference to any person committed to their care by the court." In order to fulfill the orders of the court in an effective and efficient manner, probation must deliver a step-by-step array of services.

These services include, but are not limited to: Intake and Assessment, Pre-Trial Supervision, Probation Supervision, Programs and Referrals, and Probation Violations/Sanctions Conferences. The department supervises all juvenile probation and all adults placed on supervision for misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor offenses. In Itasca County the Minnesota Department of Corrections supervises all felony probation and supervised release (parole) cases. Minnesota Statute 244.19 specifically outlines the appointment, compensation, and powers and duties with respect to our probation officers, learn more about statute 244.19 by visiting the Office of the Revisor of Statutes website.

2. Where is the probation department located?

The office is a stand-alone building located at 115 NE Fifth Street in Grand Rapids. It sits across the street to the north of the courthouse/jail. For more details view the Probation staff directory.

3. How do I find out who someone’s probation officer is?

If the individual is an adult, this is public information and can be obtained either in person at our office or by calling the front desk at 218-327-2869. If the individual is a juvenile, such information is not public.

4. What is the difference between a Petty Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor and Felony?

Petty Misdemeanors are offenses that are not punishable by jail time. These include low-level traffic citations and low-level shoplifting citations.

Misdemeanors are offenses that are punishable by up to 90 days in jail. The lowest-level Driving Under the Influence is an example.

Gross Misdemeanors are offenses that are punishable by up to a year in jail. Repeat DUI offenses, or a DUI with an elevated blood-alcohol level, are examples.

Felonies are crimes that are punishable by more than a year in jail. The lowest-level felony offenses are punishable by a year and 1 day. In Itasca County, these cases are supervised by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, for more information contact them by phone at 218-322-2920.

5. What is Itasca County’s hourly credit for community work service?

Effective August 1, 2016, the current hourly credit for community work service is $9.50. That rate is set by judge’s order and typically has been aligned with the minimum wage rate.

6. What can be worked off through community work service?

First and foremost, the opportunity to work off fine obligations has to be court ordered. With that, clients have the opportunity to work off court ordered fines and law library fees. Adult clients also have the opportunity to work off pay for stay accounts, sanction hours, and in some circumstances supervision fees with director approval and court ordered. Juvenile clients have the opportunity to work off fines, court ordered restitution (maximum $250), violation hours, diversion fees, and associated program fees (online classes, UA’s, CORE fees) with director and court ordered approval.

7. Can I work off fine obligations if they have been sent to collections?

Yes, provided you have a court order stating you can work off fine obligations. Court Administration will be notified that the client is working off fine obligations and will make adjustments once the fines have been worked off.

8. What is Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)?

In lieu of incarceration (or detention for juveniles), the Court may place a person on Electronic Home Monitoring. Depending upon a number of circumstances, the monitoring may include house arrest/curfew, as well as regular drug and alcohol testing. Monitoring equipment with GPS technology is also utilized as appropriate. Itasca County Probation has access to state grant dollars to assist adult DUI probationers who have a diminished ability to pay for this service.