Probation Department

Purpose of Probation

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.02, Subd. 15:  Probation means a court-ordered sanction imposed upon an offender for a period of supervision no greater than that set by statute. It is imposed as an alternative to confinement or in conjunction with confinement or intermediate sanctions. The purpose of probation is to deter further criminal behavior, punish the offender, help provide reparation to crime victims and their communities, and provide offenders with opportunities for rehabilitation.

The Mille Lacs County Probation Department is responsible for overseeing orders from the Court as it relates to juvenile offenders, adult misdemeanor offenders and adult gross misdemeanor offenders.

The Mille Lacs County Probation Department does not supervise adult felony offenders. These offenders are supervised by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). For felony level adult cases, contact the DOC at 320-362-7950.

Services

The Mille Lacs County Probation Department administers probation services for the Seventh Judicial District. Services provided include, but are not limited to:

  • Adult Pre-Sentencing Investigations
  • Adult Bail Assessments
  • Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)
  • Pre-Trial Supervision
  • Juvenile Diversions
  • Juvenile Mental Health Screenings
  • Juvenile Pre-Dispositional Reports
  • Juvenile Certification Studies
  • Juvenile Work Crew
  • Preparation of Reports and Recommendations to the Court
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing

Juvenile Work Crew

The Mille Lacs County Probation Department provides the service of a juvenile work crew. Juveniles placed on probation by the Court or through the juvenile diversion program may be required to complete community service hours. Community service work acts as a consequence as well as building self-esteem and a sense of community in juvenile offenders.

The crew works under the direction of the Juvenile Work Crew Supervisor approximately two days each month. Examples of work performed by the crew are county/township road trash pickup, cleaning of county vehicles, upkeep of county campus grounds, and working at local festivals and community events.