General Questions

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROBATION & PAROLE?

Probation is the type of penalty whereby a defendant is put under the jurisdiction of the probation office for a stated time instead of being sentenced to prison. Parole is the conditional release of an inmate from incarceration of a penal or reformative institution.



WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF PROBATION AND PAROLE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY?

Please see the Probation Conditions page, which details all rules and provisions.



I AM NOT ON PROBATION, BUT I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING A SPECIFIC DEFENDANT.

The Adult Probation and Parole Officer has a strict confidentiality policy. We require defendants who wish to allow us to speak with third parties (including spouses, parents, children, etc) sign an AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE/OBTAIN INFORMATION prior to giving out any personal information - this includes, but is not limited to: if a defendant is on probation/parole, a defendant's charge, or whether a defendant is incarcerated.


If you have information that you would like to report in regard to a specific defendant, please call our main number and speak to one of our clerical staff. They will record your report and forward the information to the correct officer or supervisor to address. Please note: the Adult Probation Office cannot file new charges against a defendant, therefore, if you wish to press charges you must call the police department in your jurisdiction.



AM I ALLOWED TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF LAWRENCE COUNTY WITHOUT PERMISSION?

You must get prior permission from your Probation Officer. If you are going somewhere for an overnight stay or longer, you need to complete a Travel Permit - which can be found under the forms menu or by contacting your Probation Officer.


A Travel Permit is a permission slip you are told to take along with you on your approved leaves. If you work, go to school or have appointments in another county whereas you would be returning the same day it is not necessary to seek prior permission. It is ALWAYS best to keep your Probation Officer advised. When in doubt, always ask first.


Once you complete the Travel Permit, your Probation officer signs their approval along with any special instructions you are to follow and the date of your next report to the Adult Probation Office.



CAN I ENTER AN ESTABLISHMENT THAT SERVES ALCOHOL?

All persons on supervision are under the Alcohol Clause until it is removed by your officer. If you are on supervision for non-alcohol related offense and/or you have not been referred to Drug and Alcohol for assessment, consult with your Probation Office about removing the Alcohol Clause. You are only permitted in an establishment that serves alcohol if:

    • You are dining in the restaurant side (not a bar/lounge area)

    • No one at your table can be consuming alcoholic beverages

    • You obtain prior permission from your Probation Officer


The Alcohol Clause is a rule or parole/probation that states you are not permitted to consume, purchase, transport, or possess any alcoholic beverages. Further, you are not permitted to enter any establishment that serves or sells alcoholic beverages unless authorized by staff.



CAN OFFICERS FROM LAWRENCE COUNTY ADULT PROBATION ENTER MY HOME AND SEARCH THROUGH MY BELONGINGS WITHOUT A WARRANT?

Yes. Under the Conditions Governing Supervision, it advises you that you consent to the search of your person, property, and place of residence without a warrant by officers of the Adult Probation and Parole Department of Lawrence County. Any items present which constitutes a violation of your supervision shall be subject to seizure and may be used as evidence in the revocation process.



WHAT ARREST POWERS DO PROBATION OFFICERS HAVE IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA?

PA Act 277, grants probation/parole officers the powers of Peace Officers in performance of their duties and shall have police powers and authority throughout the Commonwealth to arrest with or without warrant any person on probation, intermediate punishment or parole for any violation of probation, intermediate punishment or parole.



HOW MUCH DO I OWE IN COURT COSTS, FINES, AND RESTITUTION?

Please see the Collections page on the website to see how to obtain this information.