Probation may be imposed for misdemeanors and felonies except murder, treason, armed robbery, criminal sexual conduct in the first or third degree, certain controlled-substance offences, or felonies in which a firearm was used.  While it is the responsibility of the department to supervise adult felony probationers in Michigan, courts retrain legal control over the offender.

In general, the statutory maximum term of probation is five years for felonies and two years for misdemeanors.  Life probation is authorized for some drug offenses.  However, within the statutory maximum, the length of probation is determined by the judge at sentencing.

While it is the primary responsibility of MDOC probation agents to monitor offender behavior during supervision to ensure compliance with the probation order, it is the judge who sets the offender's conditions or requirements of probation.  Beyond statutory probation conditions requiring the offender to avoid criminal behavior, not leave the state without permission and report as specified by the agent, the court is free to impose special conditions of probation based on the offender's criminal and personal history.  Special conditions may require jail confinement, substance-abuse treatment, community service, high school completion, restitution, fines, court costs and supervision fees, electronically-monitored home confinement, placement in a state-funded probation residential center, and/or finding employment.

Probation officers also oversee payment of court ordered obligations of probationers including repayment of restitution.

Further information can be obtained at:

MDOC Adult Probation
255 Clay St.
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-0221
www.Michigan.gov