Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I do not do what the Court has ordered?
2. What if I do not appear for a show cause hearing?
3. OWI/OWVI Alcohol Assessment
4. Do I have to give a urine sample or take a blood test?
5. What is a pre-sentence report?
6. Why would the judge want a pre-sentence report?
7. Can drug testing be ordered as a condition of probation or during the pre-sentence investigation?
8. Where is the lab located?
9. What happens if I refuse the drug testing?
10. How do I get involved in a drug treatment program?
11. What is community service?
12. What type of organizations are used in this program?
13. What happens if I have medical problem and can't work?
14. Could my community service job require working on the expressways?
15. Does this mean that I have to work for free?
16. What happens if I do not do my community service?
17. Victims Impact Panel (VIP)
18. When and where are the classes held?
19. Do I have to pay for this class?
20. How many classes do I have to attend?
21. Can I bring my children with me?
22. What if I do not attend the VIP class?
23. Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP)
24. When and where are DAIP sessions held?
25. How many DAIP sessions do I have to attend?
26. Do I have to pay for these sessions?
27. What happens if I do not attend these sessions?
28. Driver Improvement School (DIS)
29. Where do I enroll for Driver Improvement School?
30. Can I take the class somewhere else?
31. When do these classes start and how many classes are there?
32. Will my record be clear if I complete the Driver Improvement School?

You will be in violation of your probation and may be returned to court for a show cause hearing, in which it is determined whether or not you should be held in contempt of court for not following the conditions of your probation.

The court will issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

In 1983, a law was established in Michigan requiring any person arrested and convicted for any alcohol-related driving violation to undergo an alcohol assessment. This assessment is completed before a person is sentenced. The alcohol assessment is used to determine if a person does or does not have a substance abuse problem, and if so, whether rehabilitation will benefit the person. The defendant is responsible for paying the $100 cost of the screening and assessment and all rehabilitative services.

OWI/OWVI are the specific types of charges involving the use of alcohol while driving a car for which you could be arrested and prosecuted. They stand for:

Operating While Impaired (OWI)

Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI)

Yes, if requested to do so.

A background investigation ordered by the judge. The probation department completes this report before the defendant returns to court for sentencing.

To obtain detailed knowledge of the defendant's background and current circumstances, and to know if the defendant is a threat to society, or if there are any needs the defendant has which can be addressed through probation.

You will be required to submit urine samples, which will be tested at a lab for the presence of drugs.

The lab is in Room 324 (3rd Floor) of the Madison Center Building.

You will be in violation of your probation and many be returned to court for a Show Cause hearing.

Your probation officer will locate and assist you in becoming part of a program that is suitable for you.

Community service is an alternative sentence where offenders pay off fines and court costs by working for non-profit or governmental organizations as volunteers.

Any non-profit organization that has a 501C3 tax exempt status and liability insurance is eligible. Types of work might include clerical, kitchen maintenance, child care, yard work, coaching, data entry, or meal delivery to senior citizens.

If you have a medical problem that you believe would interfere with your community service activity, you must present some type of document from your doctor describing what your limitations are. If you are ruled ineligible, the judge will be sent this document to make a determination. Even if you have some physical limitations, a position may still be found for you.

No.

You are not working for free. The court has determined that as part of your sentence, you must perform community service. In many cases, community service is given instead of fine costs.

You will be in violation of your probation and may be returned to court for a Show Cause hearing.

The VIP program was adopted by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 1989. The 36th District Court Probation Division and MADD started VIP on April 28, 1990, to help reduce the rate of repeat drunk driving offenders. All persons convicted in 36D of any alcohol related driving offense are required to attend VIP.

The VIP classes are held on Mondays at the Salvation Army, 15133 Burgess, Detroit, MI 48223.

There is a $35.00 fee for the class.

You are required to attend only one class session.

Small children are not allowed to attend the class.

You will be in violation of your probation. You could be required to come back to court for a Show Cause hearing. For more information call Kim Thomas at 965-3719 or 965-3414.

The DAIP is designed to help offenders change their abusive behavior toward their partners or other family members. The offender is assisted in exploring non-controlling and non-violent ways of relating to women.

The DAIP sessions are held at the Madison Center Building on the weekend; Friday evening, and Saturday and Sunday mornings.

You must attend one full weekend session. In addition you may be ordered to attend 26 weekly batterers counseling sessions.

There is a class fee which must be paid in full at the first session on Friday evening.

You will be in violation of your probation and may be returned to court for a Show Cause hearing.

Driver Improvement School (DIS) is used to help drivers become aware of the causes of accidents and to improve their driving behavior and attitude. This is done by helping offenders understand themselves more clearly and how they can reduce traffic problems rather than create them. DIS discussions are held in a classroom setting with an average of 40-50 people enrolled.

To attend classes at 36D, you can sign up at the cashier window in the lobby of the first floor of the Madison Center Building. There is a $60 fee to take this class, which must be paid before the last day of class. You will not receive a Certificate of Completion until you pay the fee.

Yes. There are several schools throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. To enroll in one of these schools, you can call the probation department for the telephone number to the school.

There is no guarantee that your record will be cleared. For more information call 965-3721.