In a nutshell, we in probation are in the
“second chance” business. Probation is not an especially complicated concept. People
do stupid things, and sometimes they do stupid things which are against the
law, and sometimes they get caught doing stupid things which are against the
law. Assuming that their criminal offense was not extremely serious (e.g., Residential
Burglary, Criminal Sexual Assault) and that they do not have lengthy criminal
records, the Court and the State’s Attorney’s office are usually willing to agree
to a sentence of probation (which may also include time in the county jail). As
part of probation, they are given a series of do’s and don’ts: don’t break the
law, don’t use alcohol or drugs, don’t have contact with people you are ordered
to stay away from. The “do’s” may include community service work; substance
abuse, sex offender, or mental health treatment; regular reporting to your PO; or referral to a GED program. Let me put it this way,
a parole officer recently told me that some of the people he has supervised
have told him that they would rather go to prison than be sentenced to
probation. If you’re willing to do the things the Court tells you to do – all
of which are intended to keep you out of further trouble – probation will be
one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. If you’re not willing to
do that – hey, we tried, you didn’t, you can go to prison. This is where
protection of the community comes in. This is always our first priority.
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If anyone is interested in learning more about
any of the things I have mentioned, we’re on the first floor of the Douglas
County Courthouse. I am a long way from the best probation officer in the
State, but I take it very seriously, and would love to talk to you about it
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If you wish to contact us by phone or letter please contact us at:
Paul Wisovaty
Douglas County Probation
401 S. Center St.
Tuscola IL, 61953
Office on 1st Floor
Ph. 217-253-4432
Email: Probation
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