Misdemeanor Probation in Hillsborough County

Contact an attorney at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL, if you are accused of violating misdemeanor probation for either a technical or substantive violation.

You might be violated if you are accused of any of the following:

• failing to report as required
• changing your residence without permission
• getting arrested or cited for a new criminal offense
• failing complete a special condition of probation within the allotted time

In Hillsborough County, the primary administrative functions of the misdemeanor probation office are conducted at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. HCSO has set up additional probation services at a former work release center near the Orient Road Jail. From the Orient Road location, the probation office will handle various programs including drug counseling, anger management, and career development.

After being sentenced to probation in the courtroom for a misdemeanor, you might be instructed to report to the misdemeanor probation office at the courthouse to check in for the initial intake. Another probation office is set up for this purpose at the Plant City Courthouse.

Contact Information for Misdemeanor Probation Services

You might be asked to fill out this Misdemeanor Intake Form during the intake process. The form can be emailed to probation@teamhcso.com or probation@teamhcso.com

In Hillsborough County, Misdemeanor Probation Services have been managed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since 2015. Prior to that, misdemeanor probation was handled by the Salvation Army. HCSO often uses the term “Probation Specialist” instead of “Probation Officer.”

Attorney for Misdemeanor Probation Violations in Hillsborough County, FL

If you violated the terms of your misdemeanor probation after entering a plea at the courthouse in Tampa or Plant City, take a proactive approach to resolve the case on the best possible terms.

Call us today to find out the most important things you can do when you realize your probation officer is about to take action to trigger a violation.

The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm are focused on criminal defense in Hillsborough County, FL. A large part of our practice is devoted to helping people who are accused of violating their misdemeanor probation.

We help our clients come back into compliance as quickly as possible so that we can fight to resolve their cases under the best possible terms.

Call (813) 250-0500 to discuss your case.

Notice to Report for Misdemeanor Probation in Hillsborough County, FL

After the COVID-19 pandemic began, the courts began issuing a “NOTICE TO REPORT.” The notice informs the probation of the next probation appointment, which might be conducted via Zoom.

The notice will explain the items that must be provided, including payment for the cost of supervision, fines, and court costs, proof of completing community service hours, proof of completing the MADD Victim Impact Panel, or any other special conditions.

The notice requires the person on probation to report a minimum of once per month, as instructed by the HCSO Probation Specialist. If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, the probationer must call the Probation Specialist to reschedule the visit.

Failure to keep this appointment without prior approval could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest or your case being returned to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Payments must be made through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. You may be able to pay via phone. You must advise the Clerk’s Office if you are calling to make a payment on a misdemeanor probation case and provide the case number.

Note: The clerk’s office might assess a 3.5% convenience fee. If you are unable to pay via phone, you may pay at the Clerk’s Office by cash or money order, payable to the Clerk of Circuit Court to avoid those additional fees. To pay, obtain a payment remittance from your Probation Specialist.

Learn more about hiring an attorney for a misdemeanor in Hillsborough County, FL.

New Procedures for Misdemeanor Probation Services in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began overseeing misdemeanor probation in October of 2015. The Sheriff’s Office purchased software to support an enhanced case management system that will replace paper record-keeping with a new and more effective online process.

When HCSO took over supervising misdemeanor probation, the Sheriff’s Office hired many Salvation Army employees who would have otherwise lost their jobs when the agency’s contract expired on September 30, 2015.

Effective October 1, 2015, a new administrative order applies to misdemeanor probation services. Administrative Order s-2015-54 on misdemeanor probation in Hillsborough County was signed by Chief Judge, Ronald N. Ficarrotta on September 29, 2015.

In accordance with the Interlocal Agreement between the county and David Gee, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, HCSO began providing supervision and rehabilitation services to misdemeanor probationers. The Clerk of Court will process all misdemeanor probation financial transactions and disburse fines and court costs paid by probationers.

The chief judge updated many of the procedures regarding misdemeanor probation under:

• Article V, section 2(d), Florida Constitution;
• Florida Statute Section 43.26; and
• the Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(2).

Under the new procedures established in 2015, the monthly cost-of-supervision was $75 for the first month and $55 per month thereafter with a one-time fee to the Clerk of $12. For anyone placed on misdemeanor probation or a diversionary program on April 1, 2023, or later, under the supervision of HCSO, that person must pay the following:

• a monthly cost-of-supervision fee of $70 per month to HCSO; and
• a one-time fee of $12 to the Clerk.

The Clerk collects the cost-of-supervision fees and deposits them into a specified account in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement. HCSO must provide a monthly invoice to Hillsborough County no later than the tenth day of each month. The Clerk will also collect and disburse payments of Clerk fees, restitution, court costs, fines, surcharges, and any indigent status application fees from misdemeanor probationers.

The Clerk must maintain an accurate accounting of all monies collected, deposited, and disbursed. Unless restitution is ordered to be paid to a victim under section 948.09, Florida Statutes, the Clerk will assign the first $50 of any fees or costs paid by an indigent misdemeanor probationer as payment of the application fee, in accordance with section 27.52(1)(c), Florida Statutes.

Finding a Lawyer for Misdemeanor Violations of Probation in Tampa, FL

If you have an outstanding warrant for violation of probation in a misdemeanor case in Hillsborough County, contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL.

We are experienced in helping clients who allegedly violated the terms of their probation in any criminal case, including driving under the influence (DUI).

We can help you come back into compliance as quickly as possible so that you have the best chance of getting the best result in the case. Let us put our experience to work for you. We represent clients at the courthouse in both Tampa and Plant City, FL.

Call us today to discuss your case. Call (813) 250-0500.

This article was last updated on Friday, July 26, 2024.