Sample Instructions for County Probation From Different Counties in California

WARNING: There are some standard conditions that apply to most (if not all) individuals placed on probation,[1137] but instructions for what to do when you first start your probation term will vary depending on what county you are being supervised in. You should call or visit your county probation department immediately to find out what the requirements and instructions apply to you.

For example only, below you can find a few county probation offices’ reporting instructions:

San Francisco County’s Instructions:[1138]

STEP 1: You need to contact the Probation Department as soon as you are released from custody. If you are released after 5:00pm, please contact the Department the next day. We open our offices at 8:00am and close at 5:00pm. Main phone number is: (415) 553-1706.

STEP 2: When you contact the Department you will need to provide our support staff with your full name and date of birth. If you have your court number, please provide it too. Our support staff will be able to give you the name and phone number of your assigned probation officer.

STEP 3: Your probation officer will schedule an appointment to meet with you. Please, make sure to keep your appointment and be on time. If you cannot make your appointment, you must call the day before to re-schedule.

STEP 4: Most likely than not the Court would have ordered for you to attend a counseling or rehabilitation program. You along with your officer will choose which programs better meet your needs. It is important that you contact the program and arrange for an intake session.

STEP 5: Stay out of trouble! We know you’re facing a lot of challenges and difficulties getting your life back together, but if you need help or support, call your officer before you do something that put you back in jail.

Los Angeles County’s Instructions:[1139]

STEP 1: If you were just released from county jail or the court, following your sentencing, and you were ordered by the Court to report to the Probation Department for supervision, you need to report within 48 hours or within the time frame ordered by the court.

STEP 2: When you report to the Probation office, tell the receptionist that you were just recently released from jail, or referred from Court, and you need your orientation instructions.[1140]

Here is a list of important documents to bring to your probation orientation in L.A. County:

    Valid identification (driver’s license, California I.D., any identification with your name, picture, or signature.
    Verification of residence (this can be a letter or other mailing with your name and the address where you live, a copy of a rental agreement, or a signed letter from your landlord verifying that the address presented is your residence).
    A copy of any and all documents that the sentencing court (meaning the court that actually gave you your criminal sentence) gave to you. This may include:
    A copy of the sentencing minute ordered;
    A referral card with your next court appointment;
    A referral for registration due to your conviction that is related to drugs, gang affiliation, arson, or certain sex offenses or proof of registration of any one of these requirements, if so ordered by the court.

Ventura County’s Instructions:[1141]

STEP 1: Upon being placed on formal probation (and immediately upon release from custody when on probation), you must immediately report to 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California, at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (Sheriff’s Building), Room A, second floor. Bring to probation your current address, phone numbers, and all relevant contact information

STEP 2: Your assigned probation officer will contact you via mail or phone within 30 days of the date you were granted probation to set up your first appointment/intake meeting.

If you have not heard from your probation officer within a 30-day period:

    Have your case number, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN) available and call the Ventura County Probation Agency at one of the locations nearest your residence. Tell the receptionist your case number and any relevant identifying information. You will then be connected to your assigned probation officer or the Officer-of-the-Day (OD) at your local probation office.
  1. 1137

    See City and County of San Francisco Adult Probation Department, On Probation, http://sfGov’torg/adultprobation/probation. ↑

  2. 1138

    See City and County of San Francisco Adult Probation Department, On Probation, http://sfGov’torg/adultprobation/probation. ↑

  3. 1139

    See L.A. Cnty. Prob. Dep’t, Just Released, http://probation.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/probation/!ut/p/b1/04_Sj9Q1MjA1tzS0NDcw04_Qj8pLLMtMTyzJzM9LzAHxo8zi3QwMDNz9nYKN_INdjA083dydnA39TQyNgo2ACiKRFRg4u1saeDqZuFt4mYUYOvuZE9Ifrh-FT0mwoTG6AixWgBUY4ACOBgSs8DLR9_PIz03Vz43KsfTMDEgHAB9RScE!/dl4/d5/L2dJQSEvUU. ↑

  4. 1140

    See L.A. Cnty. Prob. Dep’t, Just Released, http://probation.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/probation/!ut/p/b1/04_Sj9Q1MjA1tzS0NDcw04_Qj8pLLMtMTyzJzM9LzAHxo8zi3QwMDNz9nYKN_INdjA083dydnA39TQyNgo2ACiKRFRg4u1saeDqZuFt4mYUYOvuZE9Ifrh-FT0mwoTG6AixWgBUY4ACOBgSs8DLR9_PIz03Vz43KsfTMDEgHAB9RScE!/dl4/d5/L2dJQSEvUU. ↑

  5. 1141

    See Ventura County Probation Department, FAQs, http://public.venturaprobation.org/index.php/about-us/faqs?catid=1. ↑