FAQs - Post Conviction

I have a family member/friend who is scheduled to be released from prison. They were convicted in federal court in another district or state but want to reside in the Western District of Michigan. How can his/her case be transferred?

The defendant must request relocation approval through his/her case manager at the Bureau of Prisons.  When a request is made by the case manager, the probation office will conduct an investigation to determine if relocation is appropriate and report its findings to the Bureau of Prisons and the sentencing district. If relocation is granted, a subsequent transfer of jurisdiction may occur.

I released from federal prison, how soon do I have to report for supervision?

Once released from custody, you are required to report to the probation office within 72 hours of release, which includes weekends and holidays.  Failure to report will constitute grounds for a violation of supervised release. Please call the probation office between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm for instructions on where to report.

Grand Rapids office:  616-456-2384
Kalamazoo office:      269-381-5341
Lansing office:           517-377-1825
Marquette office:       906-228-7432

If you were convicted in another district, please contact the probation office in the district in which you were convicted and report to the probation office nearest to your location for further instructions.

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

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 prison term.

What are the standard conditions of supervision the court must impose?

The court requires individuals on supervision to abide by certain rules.  These rules are called Conditions of Supervision.
These are the standard conditions of supervision or probation the Court must impose. This does not include special conditions the court may impose.

• The defendant shall not leave the judicial district without the permission of the court or probation officer.
• The defendant shall report to the probation officer in a manner and frequency directed by the court or probation officer.
• The defendant shall answer truthfully all inquiries by the probation officer and follow the instructions of the probation officer.
• The defendant shall support his or her dependents and meet other family responsibilities.
• The defendant shall work regularly at a lawful occupation unless excused by the probation officer for schooling, training, or other acceptable reasons.
• The defendant shall notify the probation officer at least ten days prior to any change in residence or employment.
• The defendant shall refrain from excessive use of alcohol and shall not purchase, possess, use, distribute, or administer any controlled substance or any paraphernalia related to any controlled substance, except as prescribed by a physician.
• The defendant shall not frequent places where controlled substances are illegally sold, used, distributed, or administered.
• The defendant shall not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity and shall not associate with any person convicted of a felony, unless granted permission to do so by the probation officer.
• The defendant shall permit a probation officer to visit him or her at any time at home or elsewhere and shall permit confiscation of any contraband observed in plain view of the probation officer.
• The defendant shall notify the probation officer within 72 hours of being arrested or questioned by a law enforcement officer.
• The defendant shall not enter into any agreement to act as an informer or a special agent of a law enforcement agency without the permission of the court.
• As directed by the probation officer, the defendant shall notify third parties of risks due to the defendant’s criminal record or personal history or characteristics and shall permit the probation officer to make such notifications and to the defendant's compliance with such notification requirement.  

I am on probation/supervised release. Am I allowed to leave the state? 

While on supervision, you are allowed to travel freely within the Western District of Michigan.  To travel outside of the district, approval is required from your probation officer or the court. All international travel requests must be approved by the court. Failure to do so may result in a violation of your supervision.