Probation Laws Change (must pay)!

[skw2]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? MD

I was wondering if anyone else has run into this as of yet... Today, I went to my probation officer, and filled out papers and such (my first real visit). There was one sheet I noticed that had $45 per month beginning July 1st 2005 (I didn't sign this). Then some other stuff was listed afterwards.

This is what I don't get. The beginning of the month of May my court case was heard. The judgement included 12 months probation with 6 months supervised. The judge waived my probation costs (really don't know how much that would have been). -- So today, the probation officer tells me that beginning July 1st a new law is going into effect where all those who are on probation will pay a monthly $45 "probation monitoring fee" for the period of their supervised probation term. She then proceeds to tell me that I too will have to pay. My question is WHY? My judgement included the waiving of probation costs which was given before the July 1st date. So why in fact will I (or anyone else) have to pay come July if judgment states otherwise?

It appears to be a bit shady to me. I know the law is the law and that no man should be above it... But really, if it were any other form of business where you signed a contract, one would have to stick with the contract, right?

I don't know, maybe I'm taking this out of context and not really getting the whole picture. However, it does appear to me that it's a way to get around judges waiving fees and probation officers finding another way to collect monies.

Anyone else heard of this?

Thanks!

All My Best!

 

[Curt581]

I was wondering if anyone else has run into this as of yet... Today, I went to my probation officer, and filled out papers and such (my first real visit). There was one sheet I noticed that had $45 per month beginning July 1st 2005 (I didn't sign this). Then some other stuff was listed afterwards.

This is what I don't get. The beginning of the month of May my court case was heard. The judgement included 12 months probation with 6 months supervised. The judge waived my probation costs (really don't know how much that would have been). -- So today, the probation officer tells me that beginning July 1st a new law is going into effect where all those who are on probation will pay a monthly $45 "probation monitoring fee" for the period of their supervised probation term. She then proceeds to tell me that I too will have to pay. My question is WHY? My judgement included the waiving of probation costs which was given before the July 1st date. So why in fact will I (or anyone else) have to pay come July if judgment states otherwise?

It appears to be a bit shady to me. I know the law is the law and that no man should be above it... But really, if it were any other form of business where you signed a contract, one would have to stick with the contract, right?

I don't know, maybe I'm taking this out of context and not really getting the whole picture. However, it does appear to me that it's a way to get around judges waiving fees and probation officers finding another way to collect monies.

Are you sure it's not a payment plan for the fine amount?

Are you certain the Judge waived the fees? Do you have documentation from the court that says so?

Does the Probation agency know the Judge waived it? If it's not in the paperwork sent over from the court, they may not be aware.

 

[skw2]

Most certain

Hello:

I am most certain the judge waived the probation costs. I read through ALL my papers last night and saw it written with my own eyes. The probation officer herself even stated the judge had waived my probation costs as well, but she then proceeded to say that come July 1st a new law will come into effect and that all who are on probation will have to pay a $45 monthly monitoring fee. I in turn asked her for documentation showing me this new law, and she said they hadn't made copies as of yet. She then said she'll set that particular paper aside 'til she has documentation (I was signing a host of other documents). What's funny is that she gave me another sheet to sign which had checked off what the judge said "I" needed to fullfill while on probation (a: totally abstain from alcohol & drugs.... b: abate after 6 months). On this particular sheet there is also listed: Pay through the Division of Parole & Probation, etc.... Which has a line for the costs imposed. She DID NOT check this line. I signed this sheet and an intake monitor signed it as well.

As with fines? The very day my fine was given, I paid it in full, and have a receipt stating as such. I have paid everything in full...

SO, I have no clue why she would tell me that I would have to pay a monthly monitoring fee for probation when there again it was waived. Apparently I need to call my lawyer and ask his advice on this because it just doesn't seem correct. Again, maybe the law can change at any moment and I along with others have to roll with the punches. But it certainly seems a bit odd to me.

Your thoughts?

All My Best!