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1. My child was involved in a law violation. What will happen next?

If your child has been involved in a law violation, it is up to a law enforcement agency to investigate. If they find probable cause that a crime was committed, they will forward their police report to the Prosecuting Attorney.  If the prosecutor chooses to officially charge your child, your child's case may be diverted to the probation department or your child may be petitioned to answer to the charge in court.   If the case is diverted, you will be contacted by the probation department.  If your child is called to court, download and review Idaho's  juvenile justice handbook (PDF) to become more familiar with the juvenile court system. 

2. My child was arrested and placed in detention. What happens next?

Your child will have a detention hearing in front of a judge on the next business day. The outcome of that hearing determines whether your child will be released or remain in custody.  The actual time at which your child’s hearing will occur depends on several factors. For additional information, please contact the probation department by calling 208-745-8244.

3. What is Probation?

Probation is the release into the community of a juvenile or adult who has been found guilty of a crime, typically under certain conditions such as paying a fine, doing community service, or attending a drug treatment program. 

Formal Probation – A type of probation where the offender must report to probation and follow court ordered terms in order to avoid court sanctions. The charges will not be dismissed once probation conditions are completed.

Informal Probation - A type of probation where the offender does not report to the probation office, and is not supervised by the probation office,.  However, the individual must follow any court ordered terms to avoid court sanctions. 

Informal Adjustment – (Juvenile Cases Only) A type of probation that allows for all charges to be dismissed after successful completion of all probation terms. This includes full payment of restitution and court fees, as well as no further law violations.

4. What is Diversion?

Diversion is a voluntary program that offers juveniles an opportunity to resolve a filed police report without appearing in court. The Prosecuting Attorney may refer juveniles to the diversion program, especially if their crimes are minor offenses and they are first time offenders. Participants are held accountable to the victim and community and learn skills to help them make better choices.

5. What is Pretrial Release Supervision?

Pretrial release supervision is a level of supervision where a judge orders a person accused of a crime to be subjected to community supervision during their pretrial status.   Pretrial release supervision is a condition of a defendant's release from confinement and may require drug testing, assessments, and meetings with a pretrial supervision officer.  Defendants must contact their pretrial supervision officer within 24 hours of release from custody.

6. Does Jefferson County Probation supervise Felony cases?

Yes, but only for Juveniles convicted of felonies or for individuals accused of felonies and ordered to Pretrial supervision (before conviction).  The Jefferson County Probation Department provides supervision for Pretrial cases, Adult Misdemeanor cases, and Juvenile Misdemeanor and Felony cases in Jefferson County, Idaho.  Individuals convicted of a Felony and ordered to Felony probation supervision must contact the Idaho Department of Corrections Probation & Parole Bureau for reporting instructions. 

7. Where can I obtain a court ordered substance abuse assessment?

Court ordered substance abuse assessments must be performed by a qualified provider.  You can search for a list of local providers by visiting the BPA website.