Albany County Department of ProbationWilliam Connors, DirectorMercantile Building60 South Pearl StreetAlbany, NY 12207 [Map]Phone (518) 487-5200Fax (518) 487-5204
Probation is a sentencing option for certain crimes.
A sentence of probation is given instead of jail time.
What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation is a sentence imposed by a court. Probation allows a person to remain in the community under conditions determined by the court. A probation officer provides supervision to make sure the person is meeting their requirements.
Parole is granted by a parole board to allow early release from jail. A person granted parole serves the remainder of their sentence in the community, under the supervision of a parole officer. Parole is not a County function, it is managed by the state.
Is probation just a "slap on the wrist"?
No.
Adults and juveniles placed on probation must obey the law, attend school or be suitably employed.
They must report to their probation officer regularly and allow their officer to visit their home.
They may be required to make restitution or perform community service.
Those with a history of drug, alcohol, sexual abuse, psychiatric or psychological problems with be required to get treatment.
What kinds of offenses lead to probation?
In Criminal Court the most common offenses that lead to a probation sentence include:
Assault (including domestic violence)
Criminal mischief
Driving repeatedly without a license
Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Drug possession/sales
Endangering the welfare of a child
Firearms possession
Fraud
Larceny
Robbery
Sex offenses
Theft
In Family Court, adults are placed on probation for committing acts of domestic violence.
In Family Court, juveniles are placed on probation for committing an offense that if committed by an adult would constitute a crime; or after being found to be a Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) due to a pattern of ungovernable behavior. Learn more about PINS on our Juvenile Services webpage
What is restitution?
Restitution is money paid to a crime victim to reimburse them for loss, damage or injury.
In Albany County, the Probation Department collects and disburses restitution from probationers under our supervision, as well as from inmates in local and state penitentiaries and from parolees.
Yes, in Albany County most convicted sex offenders are sentenced to a term of probation.
The Albany County Department of Probation has developed a nationally recognized sex offender program to maximize community safety.
Our program includes:
Intensive supervision;
Group therapy;
Individual therapy;
Polygraphs;
Computer forensics;
Surveillance.
What happens if somebody violates the terms of their probation?
If a probationer doesn't follow the conditions of their probation they may be subject to increasing sanctions, including:
Meeting more often with their probation officer;
Being referred for services;
Returning to court.
What is ignition interlock?
An ignition interlock is a device installed in a motor vehicle to prevent a person from driving while drunk. The driver can only start their car if a breath test shows a safe blood alcohol level (BAC).
The ignition interlock program has proven extremely effective at stopping repeat DWI offenses.
Somebody on probation is committing criminal activity. How should I report this?
In an emergency, you should always call 9-1-1.
If you have information about a new crime, you should contact the local police department.
In a NON-EMERGENCY situation, you may call (518) 487-5200 to report information regarding someone currently on probation.
What qualifications are required to become a probation officer?
Probation officers are college graduates appointed from a certified list of candidates who successfully passed the NYS Probation Officer Trainee civil service exam.
