United States Pretrial Services Agency

Eastern District of Michigan

FAQs

Can you tell me if someone is on supervision; and, if so, may I speak with the supervising officer about violations of law or supervision conditions?

We can disclose the name of the probation officer who is supervising a person on probation, parole or supervised release. Information contained in our probation files is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act so in many instances we are unable to share information about an offender with the general public.

Can the probation officer talk to me about the results of my child's/my spouse's drug test?

No. Most information contained in probation files is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act and drug test results cannot be shared with the general public.

What is the difference between "pretrial supervision", "probation", "parole", and "supervised release"?

Pretrial supervision is a period of supervision imposed by the court to make sure the defendant complies with court-ordered release conditions. Probation is a term of community supervision imposed by the court in lieu of a prison sentence. Parole is a period of community supervision imposed by the U.S. Parole Commission to be completed after release from a prison term. Supervised release is a period of community supervision imposed by the court to be completed after release from a jail or prison sentence.

What type of identification do I need when reporting to the Probation Office?

All persons entering the United States Courthouse must present a valid picture ID and are required to pass through a magnetometer and have all belongings and packages subject to physical and/or x-ray examination by the United States Marshals Service. Additionally a person cannot bring any weapons, cameras, cell phones, recording devices, or television equipment into the building. If an offender is reporting his/her release from an institution or community corrections center, please bring any release papers with you given by the institution.

Will my USPO come to my home or workplace?

Yes. The USPO will make both home and workplace visits to ensure compliance with the conditions of supervision and to assess your adjustment at home and in the community.

If convicted of a felony, will I ever be able to own a gun again?

No. As a convicted federal felon, your right to own a firearm is forever prohibited. The only exception would be to receive a Presidential Pardon.

How can I find out if someone is in prison and where they are being held?

How does an inmate get a copy of his/her Presentence report?

If the inmate is in a local jail, he/she should contact his/her attorney. If the inmate is in a Federal prison, the inmate should contact his/her case manager. Due to disclosure issues, family members are restricted from receiving reports.

Can I travel to Canada?

While under supervision, travel to Canada is prohibited.

After I'm off of supervised release or probation, can I travel to Canada? To other foreign countries?

While on probation or supervised release, travel to Canada is prohibited. After the term ends, you can request permission to travel through the Canadian Consulate.

Can I travel to other foreign countries?

Out of country travel is generally prohibited; however, some requests may be approved by the court on a case-by-case basis. Contact a probation officer for more information.

Where do I find the phone number, fax number, or email address for my probation officer? I lost his/her card.

See the Directory page of this website.

What is the telephone number for the Eastern District of Michigan's Clerks Office for questions about financial obligations, building hours and emergency closings?

313-234-5374 M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding federal holidays. (See Directory)

What is the number for the Federal Public Defender's Office?

313-967-5542

What is the number for Pretrial Services?

313-234-5300

What is the telephone number for the State Probation Office?

Use the following link to locate the state probation office you are seeking. http://michigan.gov/corrections

As a member of the media, who would I contact for information?

Chief U.S. Probation Officer Anthony J. Merolla is the only person authorized to talk to media personnel.

Can a person shower with an electronic monitoring bracelet on?

You may shower with an ankle bracelet; however, it should not be submerged. If frequently exposed to sand or dust, periodic clean up will be necessary.

Are telephone calls taped or recorded by the electronic monitoring unit?

No. The unit is not designed to do that.

Will the electronic monitoring unit interfere with a client's calls?

The monitoring unit randomly "calls" the host computer in the monitoring center to report on a person's compliance/noncompliance with curfew, home detention or home incarceration conditions. It does this by using the same telephone line that the client's telephone is connected to. Therefore, when about to initiate the process of calling the host computer, if the line is busy, the unit will audibly alert the client through a recording, indicating that the line must be made available. The client will still have reasonable opportunities to use his/her telephone line.