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 fail to report as required, change your residence without permission, get arrested for a new crime, or fail to 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 same purpose at the Plant City Courthouse.

Contact Information for Misdemeanor Probation Services

Tampa Misdemeanor Probation Office (George E. Edgecomb Courthouse – 1st floor)
800 East Twiggs Street
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: 813-318-5365 (Tampa)
 
Plant City Misdemeanor Probation Office
301 N. Michigan Avenue
Plant City, FL 33563
Phone: 813-242-5577 (Plant City)

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 managed by the Salvation Army. HCSO 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 the 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 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: A 3.5% convenience fee will be assessed by the Clerk’s office. 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, and you must have 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 of the Salvation Army employees who would have lost their job 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 supersedes Administrative order S-2010-026. The administrative order was signed by Chief Jude, 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 under article V, section 2(d), Florida Constitution; section 43.26, Florida Statutes; and the Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(2) updated many of the procedures regarding misdemeanor probation services.

Under the new procedures, the monthly cost-of-supervision is $75 for the first month and $55 per month thereafter, and a one-time fee to the Clerk of $12. The Clerk fee is for collection, processing, and accounting for all misdemeanor probation cost-of-supervision financial transactions in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement.

The Clerk also collects the cost-of-supervision fees for HCSO. The Clerk will also collect and disburse payments of the Clerk fees, restitution, court costs, fines, surcharges, and any indigent status application fees from misdemeanor probationers.

The court often imposes a condition that the probationer complete community service. During the COVID-19 crisis, the list of approved establishments providing community service opportunities includes:

  • Dream Builders – Tampa
  • Feeding Tampa Bay
  • Florida Dream Center – St. Petersburg
  • Fraternal Order of Police – Sheriff’s Lodge
  • Goodwill
  • Habitat for Humanity – Tampa
  • HCSO Criminal Registration Unit
  • Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste – Seffner
  • Hillsborough County Solid Waste – Gibsonton
  • Humane Society of Tampa Bay
  • Keep Pinellas Beautiful – St. Petersburg
  • Metropolitan Ministries – Tampa
  • Pinellas Co. Parks & Recreation Conservation – St. Petersburg
  • Sunrise of Pasco County – Dade City
  • Solid Waste Alderman Ford CCC – Lithia
  • Sweetwater Organic Farm – Tampa
  • The Long Center – Clearwater
  • Upper Tampa Bay – Tampa

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, then 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 at (813) 250-0500.


This article was last updated on Thursday, September 2, 2021.