Facts about Probation
What is community supervision (probation)?
Community supervision is an alternative to time in a jail or penitentiary. You have pled guilty, nolo contendere, or you were found guilty by a jury. After considering the evidence, the Judge or the jury determined it would be in the best interest of the State of Texas and you to allow you to serve your sentence within the community if you agree to the terms and conditions of community supervision. Community Supervision provides an opportunity for you to make positive changes in many parts of your life so you won’t have to face getting arrested again. It can help your education and employment status, physical and mental health, any abuse of alcohol or other drugs, and even your approach to life. Our goal is not just to get you off probation successfully, but also to help you become a better citizen of the community.
What is deferred adjudication?
Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision that, if completed successfully, will prevent a final conviction from appearing on your record.
The record will show that you have been arrested, but it will not show a final conviction. If you plead “guilty” or “nolo contendere,” and the Judge has found there is enough evidence to find you guilty, the case is put on “hold” and you are placed on probation. If you are filling out a job application and it asks if you have been convicted of a crime, you may truthfully answer “No” if the court has placed you on deferred adjudication.
How are my civil rights affected?
When you are placed on community supervision, your Civil Rights can be affected. These include the right to vote, hold public office, and serve on a jury. The Federal Gun Control Act may prohibit you from possessing or buying firearms or ammunition. You should consult your attorney for more information regarding your Civil Rights.
Can I get a copy of my criminal history or offense report from my officer?
No. You need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for a criminal history and the arresting agency for information about obtaining a copy of your police report.
What information can the general public get about my case?
The department can verify that you are on supervision, and it can provide the name of the offense and the supervising officer. All other information is confidential.
What do I do if I miss my appointment?
Call your officer immediately. If you cannot reach your officer, call the front desk and ask to speak to another officer or supervisor who can reschedule your appointment. Remember this: If you report as scheduled, YOU get to help decide what day or time you report; however, if you miss your appointment you will have to report when your officer can fit you into an appointment.
What is the dress code?
Crop tops, tube tops, revealing clothing or exposed undergarments are not acceptable.
Shorts must be of an appropriate length.
Gang attire of any kind will not be allowed.
Sagging pants or shorts that hang below the waist are not acceptable.
Shirts with vulgar words, vulgar pictures, alcohol, or drug references may not be worn to the department.
Profanity, violent threats, gestures, or actions towards anyone in the building will not be tolerated.
Community Service Restitution (CSR)
Some probationers are court ordered to perform Community Service Restitution. Probationers will be instructed to set up CSR at the Day Resources desk. Lubbock-Crosby County Community Supervision and Corrections Department is contracted with specific non-profit organizations that have been approved by a board of Judges. Probationers will be assigned to an agency according to the type of offense, work/school schedule and location nearest to the defendant should transportation be an issue. Probationers will be issued a CSR time-sheet that will include the agency name, phone number, address, and agency contact person. CSR time-sheets should be filled out only by the agency’s authorized personnel. Probationers should always turn in any completed CSR hours Day Resources desk each month, prior to reporting to their CSO.
Community supervision is an alternative to time in a jail or penitentiary. You have pled guilty, nolo contendere, or you were found guilty by a jury. After considering the evidence, the Judge or the jury determined it would be in the best interest of the State of Texas and you to allow you to serve your sentence within the community if you agree to the terms and conditions of community supervision. Community Supervision provides an opportunity for you to make positive changes in many parts of your life so you won’t have to face getting arrested again. It can help your education and employment status, physical and mental health, any abuse of alcohol or other drugs, and even your approach to life. Our goal is not just to get you off probation successfully, but also to help you become a better citizen of the community.
What is deferred adjudication?
Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision that, if completed successfully, will prevent a final conviction from appearing on your record.
The record will show that you have been arrested, but it will not show a final conviction. If you plead “guilty” or “nolo contendere,” and the Judge has found there is enough evidence to find you guilty, the case is put on “hold” and you are placed on probation. If you are filling out a job application and it asks if you have been convicted of a crime, you may truthfully answer “No” if the court has placed you on deferred adjudication.
How are my civil rights affected?
When you are placed on community supervision, your Civil Rights can be affected. These include the right to vote, hold public office, and serve on a jury. The Federal Gun Control Act may prohibit you from possessing or buying firearms or ammunition. You should consult your attorney for more information regarding your Civil Rights.
Can I get a copy of my criminal history or offense report from my officer?
No. You need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for a criminal history and the arresting agency for information about obtaining a copy of your police report.
What information can the general public get about my case?
The department can verify that you are on supervision, and it can provide the name of the offense and the supervising officer. All other information is confidential.
What do I do if I miss my appointment?
Call your officer immediately. If you cannot reach your officer, call the front desk and ask to speak to another officer or supervisor who can reschedule your appointment. Remember this: If you report as scheduled, YOU get to help decide what day or time you report; however, if you miss your appointment you will have to report when your officer can fit you into an appointment.
What is the dress code?
Crop tops, tube tops, revealing clothing or exposed undergarments are not acceptable.
Shorts must be of an appropriate length.
Gang attire of any kind will not be allowed.
Sagging pants or shorts that hang below the waist are not acceptable.
Shirts with vulgar words, vulgar pictures, alcohol, or drug references may not be worn to the department.
Profanity, violent threats, gestures, or actions towards anyone in the building will not be tolerated.
Community Service Restitution (CSR)
Some probationers are court ordered to perform Community Service Restitution. Probationers will be instructed to set up CSR at the Day Resources desk. Lubbock-Crosby County Community Supervision and Corrections Department is contracted with specific non-profit organizations that have been approved by a board of Judges. Probationers will be assigned to an agency according to the type of offense, work/school schedule and location nearest to the defendant should transportation be an issue. Probationers will be issued a CSR time-sheet that will include the agency name, phone number, address, and agency contact person. CSR time-sheets should be filled out only by the agency’s authorized personnel. Probationers should always turn in any completed CSR hours Day Resources desk each month, prior to reporting to their CSO.