Probation Department

The Toledo Municipal Court Probation Department operates under the authority of the Toledo Municipal Court judges. The primary role of the Probation Department is to assist the court in managing individuals placed on probation by conducting investigations, supervising probationers, and providing timely and accurate information to support judicial decision-making.

Probation is a court-ordered sentence, allowing individuals convicted of certain offenses to remain in the community while under structured supervision. Probation officers are responsible for assessing risk, developing case plans, monitoring compliance, and making referrals for appropriate treatment and support services. They also enforce court orders and conduct record checks to ensure accountability.

The mission of the Probation Department is to serve the Court, the community, and probationers with professionalism and integrity. We are committed to using evidence-based practices that promote rehabilitation, encourage positive behavior change and enhance public safety. When someone on probation breaks the rules, their Probation Officer takes action based on how serious the problem is. Minor issues may lead to a warning or added tasks. Serious violations are quickly reported to the judge for further review and action.

Investigations

After a defendant is found guilty of an offense, a judge can order the Probation Department to complete a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) prior to sentencing. This report helps the judge make a well-informed decision by providing a comprehensive view of the defendant and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

During the presentence investigation, the Probation officer conducts an extensive interview with the defendant to gather information about their personal, social and criminal history. The officer also reviews the details of the offense, and may speak with victims to understand the impact of the crime.

The completed PSI report includes:

A summary of the offense
The defendant’s version of events
Victim statements
Criminal history
Social and family background
History of substance use
Any other relevant information

The report also includes a sentencing recommendation from the Probation officer. This recommendation is based on a careful analysis of all collected information and considers factors such as the seriousness of the offense, characteristics of the defendant, the risk of reoffending, public and victim safety and the defendant’s rehabilitative needs.

The goal of the PSI process is to assist the court in imposing a fair and balanced sentence that serves justice and promotes community safety.

Active Probation Supervision

Probation begins at sentencing when a judge places an individual under supervision. The average length of supervision is one year. While on probation, clients must follow standard conditions such as reporting to their probation officer as directed, remaining law-abiding, maintaining employment, and paying all court-ordered fees. Judges may also impose additional conditions, such as no contact with victims, drug or alcohol testing, community service, or attending counseling.

Active probation clients will be assessed using a State mandated assessment tool to determine the client’s risk to reoffend and to identify need areas to be addressed during supervision. Clients are assigned to a probation officer who sets up a reporting schedule based on the risk level and initiates a case plan to address identified client needs. How often a client reports and the type of reporting required, is based on the risk level. Clients who present the highest risk are given the most intensive supervision.

Probation officers guide and help clients comply with their sentences. The goal is to help clients identify problematic behavior and prevent future criminal activity. Clients must report as directed and provide verification of program attendance and completion. Clients who fail to comply with the conditions of probation are returned to court and appear before a judge at a Probation Violation (PV) hearing. A PV hearing can result in continued probation, additional programming or the enforcement of a jail term.

Inactive Probation Supervision

Inactive probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in which clients are not required to report in-person. Inactive probation clients must still follow all other standard conditions of probation. During the supervision period, the case is monitored for new arrests. At the end of probation, the case is reviewed to determine client compliance. If the probationer complied with all conditions of supervision, then the case is allowed to close without further action by the court.

Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP)

Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) is a jail diversion program designed for offenders who have a significant substance use issue and have been noncompliant in the past with standard probation. ISP clients must follow strict conditions such as drug testing, treatment, and reporting as often as three times per week. After completing ISP, clients may be transferred to a standard probation caseload for the remainder of their supervision.

Remote Reporting Supervision

To better support low-risk individuals on probation, the Probation Department offers a Remote Reporting option. This program allows eligible clients to complete their monthly probation check-in online using a smartphone or computer. The system uses facial recognition technology and GPS to verify identity and client location, and provides a secure platform to upload required documentation, such as:

Proof of treatment attendance
Employment verification
Court payment receipts
Other compliance-related documents

Remote Reporting eliminates the need for in-person visits, helping clients stay compliant while maintaining their daily responsibilities. Eligibility is determined by your assigned Probation Officer.

Restitution

Restitution can be court-ordered as a condition of probation. If the individual does not follow through with this responsibility, he or she will be considered in violation of the court order and can be taken back before the judge for further court proceedings. The Probation Department monitors restitution payments and disburses funds to the victim. For additional information on restitution, please see the Victim Information.

Community Service Probation Program

The Community Service Probation Program (CSPP) offers a sentencing alternative to either jail time or the payment of fines. Instead, participants perform public service work at approved non-profit sites. This sanction helps the community while holding individuals accountable for their actions.

What to Expect if Ordered to CSPP

If you are ordered by the Court to complete community service through CSPP, you must follow these requirements:

Pay the $15 Insurance Fee
A $15 community service insurance fee is required to participate. Payment must be made through the Clerk of Courts.
- This fee may be waived if you provide proof of public assistance (e.g., SSI, disability, Medicaid) to your CSPP Officer.
- If you do not receive public benefits, you may file a Motion with the Court requesting a waiver from the judge.
Attend Orientation and Worksite Placement
A CSPP Officer will schedule an orientation session with you. You will be assigned to a non-profit community worksite in Lucas County. Examples of service activities include:
- Soup kitchen assistance
- Gardening or landscaping
- Office or clerical work
- Cleaning and maintenance
Complete Your Assigned Hours
You must finish the required number of community service hours by the deadline provided by the Court. If you are unable to complete your hours on time, contact your assigned CSPP Officer immediately to discuss next steps or request an extension.
Submit Proper Verification of Hours
You must use the official CSPP court form to document your completed hours. This form is provided during sign-up.
- If you lose your form, contact your CSPP Officer for a replacement.
- Only this official form will be accepted-other documents or letters will not be valid.

How to Submit Verification

Verification of CSPP hours may be submitted by:

In-person: Report to Probation Reporting (room 102)
Email to your assigned CSPP Officer
Fax: 419-936-3638
Mail:
Toledo Municipal Court - Probation Department
Attn: CSPP
555 North Erie Street
Toledo, OH 43604

Failure to Comply

If you fail to complete community service as ordered, your case will be returned to court for a probation violation hearing or case review. This may result in additional sanctions, including jail time or fines.

How to become a CSPP Worksite

If you are a non-profit agency interested in becoming a CSPP Worksite, please send an email request to probation@tmcourt.org

Alternatives Program (First Offender Diversion)

The Alternatives Program offers eligible first-time offenders an opportunity to avoid a formal conviction. This one-time diversion option promotes accountability and personal growth through a 4-hour in-person group session based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a way to help people change how they think and act. It teaches them to notice negative thoughts, understand how those thoughts affect their feelings and choices, and learn better ways to handle problems. This evidence-based approach focuses on decision-making, responsibility and avoiding future legal trouble.

Program Benefits

Participants who complete the program and stay crime free may be eligible for:

Dismissal of their case
Sealing of their record related to the charge

Program Details

Schedule: Typically held once a month from 9:00am-1:00pm
Costs: $266 total
- Includes the class fee of $165 and applicable court costs
- Participants must pay at least half of the total to be enroll
Accessibility: Alternative options are available for individuals who are unable to attend in-person due to qualifying circumstances, as identified by the Probation Department.

Alternatives Program Eligibility

Defendants with prior criminal convictions are not eligible for the program. Additionally, individuals charged with the following offenses are not appropriate for the program:

Child Endangering
Child Stealing
Corruption of a Minor
Domestic Violence
Drug Offenses
Obstructing Justice
Pandering
Sex Offenses
Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI/DUI)
Any traffic offense

Driver Intervention Program (DIP)

Ohio’s Driver Intervention Program (DIP) is a court-authorized alternative to the mandatory three-day or six-day jail term that first-time offenders convicted of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI/DUI). Judges may allow eligible defendants to complete DIP in place of jail, as permitted under Sections 1547.99 and 4511.19 of the Ohio Revised Code.

DIP is a structured, educational program certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). It includes:

Traffic safety education
Information on alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and recovery
Small group discussions
Screening for potential substance use issues
Referrals for further assessment or treatment, when necessary

Important Participant Requirements

If you are ordered to complete DIP by a Toledo Municipal Court judge, you must:

Schedule promptly: Contact an OhioMHAS-certified program within one week of sentencing to reserve your place. A list of certified providers is available through the OhioMHAS official website (Link here) Driver Intervention Program (DIP) Providers | Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (ohio.gov)
Complete the program by the court-ordered deadline. If you cannot complete DIP by the deadline, you must file a Motion for Extension with the Clerk of Court.
Pay for the cost of the program: Participants are responsible for paying all program fees.
If you are unable to pay, you may:
- File a Motion requesting additional time to gather funds
- File a Motion to asking the court to convert your DIP sentence back to jail time

Submit proof of program completion to the Probation Department by your deadline. You may submit verification by:
- In-person: Report to Probation Reporting (room 102)
- Email: probation@tmcourt.org
- Fax: 419-936-3638
- Mail:
  Toledo Municipal Court - Probation Department
  Attn: DIP
  555 North Erie Street
  Toledo, OH 43604

Failure to Comply

If you do not complete DIP as ordered, you must appear in court on the scheduled completion date. Failure to provide proof of completion may result in: