Probation Department
(330) 723-7313, (330) 225-0217
FAX 330-723-6915
MEDINA MUNICIPAL COURT’S PROBATION DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
We are a distinctive team of professionals committed to supporting and serving offenders, the court, and our growing
community. We provide effective service to meet the needs of those we serve and to achieve
the goal of offender rehabilitation. We serve the community and the justice system in a
compassionate and responsible manner.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Defendants in criminal and traffic cases who are found guilty of misdemeanors of the 4th
up to the 1st degree (M-4 through M-1) are usually referred to the Probation
Department for a presentence interview and report. These will be done prior to a
sentencing hearing being scheduled. Presentence interviews are routinely scheduled for a
separate appointment one to three weeks following the date of the plea or trial.
As a general rule, the probation department does not schedule individual interviews for persons convicted of 1st
and 2nd offense DUI, underage alcohol possession/consumption, or
possession of drug paraphernalia. Persons with these convictions are directed to supply
written information to the probation department in advance of their sentencing hearings
which are scheduled for a later date. The written information provided by defendants is
used to compile an abbreviated version of the Presentence Report for the judge’s
benefit prior to imposition of sentence.
NOTE: In addition to providing background information
to the probation department, 1st offense DUI defendants are directed to attend
a 72- Hour Driver Intervention Program in Medina County prior to their sentencing
hearings.
SUPERVISION:
The department provides monitoring of probationers at various levels ranging
from non-reporting to intensive supervision. Levels are assigned at the
time of sentencing, but can be adjusted as warranted throughout the probation
period. The supervision division monitors offender compliance with court
ordered counseling, treatment, community service, drug testing, and the
like. Supervising probation officers direct probationers to various agencies
for these purposes. Officers also track further criminal activity of offenders
and initiate show cause or probation violation proceedings as warranted.
In some instances bench warrants for probation violations are issued by
the judge at the request of a probation officer.
STAFF
| Marirose Power |
Chief Probation Officer |
| Molly Blanton |
Presentence reports, general supervision |
| Ronald Kolzing (part time) |
General supervision, group reporting, intensive supervision |
| Gene Merinar |
Presentence reports, general
supervision |
| Paula Foutz |
Presentence reports, general
supervision |
| Ivan Petrovic |
Intensive supervision |
CLERICAL STAFF
| Linda Oberholtzer (part time) |
Department Secretary |
| Renee Thomas (part time) |
Department Secretary |
| Madeline Kiss |
ISP Secretary |
LOCATION
The probation offices are located in the lower level of the Municipal Court building. Questions regarding probation procedures
may be directed to Chief Probation Officer Marirose Power.
PROBATION - THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE SANCTION
Probation, pro-ba’-shon, n. act
of proving; proof, trial; period of trial novitiate. --Webster’s Expanded
Dictionary 1989
The rehabilitative community
based sanction of probation seeks to restore an offender to "good
standing" within
the society which he has wronged by his illegal acts. In this sense it
is the most hopeful of sanctions. Individual offenders must prove to be
capable of correcting their behavior so as to continue a productive, responsible
life in the community. Terms of probation imposed by the Court are the
required, minimum standards by which the "proof" is
measured. Probation officers monitor and facilitate compliance with the Court’s
orders (i.e. conditions).
Probation conditions come in two
forms. Standard conditions are generally applicable to all persons placed on probation and
are mandated by the State statute and/or individual court policy. Standard conditions
include requirements of reporting as directed, having no new offenses, and notifying the
court of changes in residence or employment. Specialized conditions are imposed with
careful consideration of the instant offense, criminal/traffic history and (in most
instances) the social history of the individual. Specialized conditions may include
required participation in treatment programs, or an order to pay restitution to a victim.
If, over a period of time, an
individual refrains from criminal behavior, meaningfully participates in
treatment/educational programs, and addresses all other orders of the court in a
responsible and conscientious manner, he is considered to have successfully completed
probation. Society and the individual each benefit from this restorative process. Those
who violate probation are considered for more involved sanctions such as incarceration,
which includes elements of incapacitation and punishment. These measures are taken for the
protection of the community so that it may not suffer, at least for a time, from the
negative consequences of any continuing antisocial and criminal behavior displayed by its
own members.
Marirose Power, Chief Probation Officer
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