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Probation Department

Probation Department

The Erie County Municipal Court's Probation Department oversees all persons placed on probation as the result of a traffic or criminal conviction. It is the goal of probation to monitor compliance with the sentence imposed by the judge.The court's Probation Officer is Mr. Steven Hammersmith.

Probation officers assess the needs of the defendant and monitor the compliance of their terms of probation, as determined by the court. Conditions of probation can include paying restitution, alcohol and mental health assessments, counseling and community service. Defendants are referred to the probation officer who will supervise the conditions of their probation and provide assistance in complying with those conditions. The standard rules of probation are provided for your convenience, but you are urged to remember that these are the standard conditions and the Judge may impose additional or different conditions.

General Rules of Probation

  1. Probationer shall not violate any federal, state or local law which carries a possible jail sentence upon conviction.
  2. Probationer must notify the probation officer of any change in probationer's place of residence.
  3. Probationer must follow all of the probation officer's instructions and rules, including attending all conferences on the date, time and place as set by the probation officer.
  4. Probationer must sign all necessary release of information forms in order to permit the counseling agencies involved with probationer's terms of probation/sentence to provide proof of counseling to the court.
  5. Probationer agrees to submit to urinalysis, breathalyzer or blood test when requested to do so by the probation officer.
  6. Probationer may not operate a motor vehicle unless he/she has a valid operator's license and current proof of financial responsibility.
  7. Probationer may not possess, use, distribute or have under his/her control any illegal drugs, narcotics, or other controlled substances or instruments for administering them except on the prescription of a licensed physician.
  8. Probationer may not own, carry or keep any firearm or any dangerous weapon while on probation without expressed permission of the Probation Officer.
  9. Probationer must pay his/her fines and costs as ordered by the court.
  10. Probationer must pay restitution through the court, as ordered by the court.
  11. Probationer must pay the costs of counseling as ordered by the court.
  12. Probationer must report to the appropriate jail to serve his/her sentence on the date and time as ordered by the court.

Probation Fees

Effective 1/1/2015

Occupational/Restricted Driving$50.00
Pre-Sentence Investigation$75.00
Probation - Non Reporting without specific conditions$100.00
Probation - Non Reporting with specific conditions 
1 Year or Less$150.00
Each Additional Year$50.00
Probation - Active/Reporting 
1 Year or Less$200.00
More than 1 Year, Not More than 2 Years$300.00
More Than 2 Years$450.00

All fees must be paid in advance as a term of probation
The restitution program ensures that defendants are making restitution to their victims in a safe and accountable manner. The program establishes what losses were incurred and establishes a payment schedule with the defendant to ensure the restitution is made prior to the termination of probation.

The restitution program accepts payments from the defendants via cash, money order, or certified check. All restitution payments are made at the court. After proper credit, said payments are then forwarded to the victim without cost or assessment.

Questions regarding restitution should be directed to Mr. Steven Hammersmith at 419-499-4689 or at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been placed on probation. Now what?
You may be required to report, in person, to the probation department at such times as directed by the court's probation officer. Alternately, you may be placed on unsupervised probation. If you have any question as to your probation obligations, contact Mr. Steven Hammersmith at (419) 499-4689.

Where do I go for probation appointments?
Go to the Erie County Municipal Court, 150 West Mason Road, Milan, Ohio.

What if I miss an appointment?
Contact the probation department immediately explaining the reason for your absence and request a new reporting date.

What if I receive a notice of a probation violation?
You must report for the hearing on the date and time stated on the notice. You are entitled to be represented by an attorney at the hearing and may request the appointment of counsel if you are unable to afford an attorney.

What do I do if I change my address or telephone number?
You must provide the probation officer with written notice of your new address and telephone number as well as name change.

How does ignition interlock work? How much does it costs?
Ignition interlock is installed on the vehicle the defendant will be driving while under suspension. The defendant is taught how to breathe into the machine to make the vehicle start. The driver must thereafter periodically blow into the interlock device while operating the vehicle. This is accomplished by safely pulling off the road and following the interlock instructions. If any alcohol is detected on the driver's breath, the interlock machine will shut the car off. There is an installation fee, a monthly rental fee, a removal fee, and a violation lockout fee, the amounts of which will be the current rate charged by the third party provider.