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Adult Probation

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1. How do I find out how much I owe in fines, court costs, restitution and other fees?

Fines, costs and restitution information can be found on the Court of Common Pleas System (CPCMS). For assistance accessing this information, call 610-344-6290 during regular business hours.

Court of Common Pleas System (CPCMS)

2. When should I begin making payments?

Payments should begin immediately after sentencing. Offenders are encouraged to remit additional monies above and beyond their payment plan.

3. How do I make payments?

1. Payments by credit and debit card can be made online at http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
2. Payments by cash, check or money order can be made in person at our office weekdays between 8:30am-4:30pm.  There is also a kiosk available in our lobby to make credit card e-payments via the UJS portal.
3. Payments by money order, personal check or cashiers check can be mailed to: Adult Probation, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380.  All checks must include the docket number and must be made payable to "Chief Probation Officer". 

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4. What is a payment plan?

Payment plans provide the minimum monthly payment an offender must make to ensure the case is paid in full by the end of an offender’s probation/parole period. Failure to pay fines, costs and restitution in full by the end of an offender’s probation/parole period may result in a Violation of Probation/Parole Hearing and revocation of the offender’s probation/parole period.

5. What will happen if I do not make payments as ordered?

Failure to comply with your payment plan may result in violation of probation/parole with possible sanctions as ordered by a Judge such as suspension of driver's license.

6. What if I move or change employment?

Changes in employment status or home address must be submitted electronically via the Change in Status form. 

7. What should I do if I am unable to work due to a medical condition and cannot comply with my payment plan?

It is the offender’s responsibility to inform the Probation Officer if they are not able to comply with their current payment plan due to medical issues. The offender must supply medical verification from their treating physician that details the reason, duration and any work restrictions. This does not relieve the offender from monies owed; rather, it may allow the offender additional time to make payments.

8. What is an administrative fee?

Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 9728 (g) the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County instituted a $10 per month administrative fee. This is a mandatory fee imposed on all offenders for the processing of paperwork and related activities.

9. What is a supervision fee?

Pursuant to Act 35 of 1991, the offender will be charged a $40 per month supervision fee. This is a fee imposed for the active supervision of an offender’s probation/parole.

10. What happens if I bounce a check?

Checks returned for insufficient funds will result in a $50 returned check fee. The check writer will have 10 days to make the check good, including payment of the returned check fee. No future personal check will be honored on that account. Individuals who fail to comply with the notice will be referred to the Chester County District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.

11. What is a judgment?

Pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. 9728 (b) all offender’s convicted at the Court of Common Pleas Level will have a civil judgment filed against them for monies owed. This is filed in the Chester County Prothonotary’s Office. Judgments must be filed regardless if there is a payment plan or if payments are being received. Judgments are only satisfied upon payment in full of all monies owed.

12. If I am ordered to receive court-ordered restitution but have not received any money, who should I contact?

For questions regarding enforcement of restitution, call the Probation Office at 610-344-6290.

13. What is the difference between probation and parole?

Probation is a sentencing alternative that does not involve a period of incarceration.

Parole is a conditional release from incarceration to serve the balance of the original sentence under the supervision of a parole officer. 

The conditions are the same and there is no difference between the a Probation Officer and a Parole Officer. It should be noted that the there are two paroling authorities in Pennsylvania: the Common Pleas Court Judges and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. The Board of Probation and Parole has parole and supervisory authority over those offenders sentenced to two years or more in prison.

14. What is Intermediate Punishment?

Intermediate Punishment is a sentencing alternative available to the Court that includes incarceration, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision, treatment and, in most cases, community service. Restrictive Intermediate Punishment is an enhanced version of Intermediate Punishment. Those offenders convicted of a violent offense are not eligible for Intermediate Punishment.

15. What is ARD?

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a pre-trial alternative for certain first time offenders facing disposition on a non-violent offense. The District Attorney's Office must approve the offender's application. The Probation Office supervises those placed into the program. Successful participants can earn a dismissal of the charges and are eligible for expungement of the charges.

16. If I am on probation or parole, can I live or travel wherever I want?

Offenders in compliance with the terms and conditions of their supervision may be granted permission to travel outside of the US with the approval of the receiving country, the assigned Parole Officer (PO),  the District Attorney’s Office (DA) and a Chester County Common Pleas Court Judge. A Temporary International Travel Permit must be filed with the Clerk of Courts after obtaining the above approvals. Leisure travel will not be granted for offenders who owe a balance of restitution and/or are not in compliance with their payment plan for fines and costs. The department strongly discourages the international travel of sex offenders and violent offenders.

Procedure: An offender requesting travel permission must inform their assigned PO prior to any travel plans being made to gain preliminary permission and to obtain the Temporary International Travel Permit. The PO will review the case to ensure that the offender is in good standing, requesting travel for a legitimate purpose, and if the purpose of the trip is for vacation that all restitution is paid in full and the offender is in compliance with his/her payment plan for fines and costs. The defendant’s attorney is responsible for completing the Temporary International Travel Permit and should first contact the Consulate General Office of the destination country to obtain permission to travel. If permission is granted, the defendant’s attorney may proceed with seeking approval and signatures from the DA’s office, the assigned PO and finally the Judge. The document must be filed with Chester County Clerk of Courts at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled date of departure with certified copies distributed to the PO and DA’s office. The offender will notify the PO within 24 hours upon return.

17. If I am on ARD, probation, parole or intermediate punishment, am I legally allowed to possess a firearm?

No, Offenders under our supervision are prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon.