FAQs • Val Verde County, TX • CivicEngage

How do I determine if my Driving privileges are suspended?: An individual should call or stop by the Texas Department of Public Safety to check if the privileges has been revoked. One should not drive but rather have someone take them to a DPS office to check if the license has been suspended. Driving while a license invalid or suspended is a violation of the law.

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Adult Probation

1. What is the difference between Probation and Community Supervision?: Nothing, it is the same thing. The state legislators changed the name from probation to the community supervision and correction department

2. What is the difference between community supervision and parole?: Parole is a period of supervision following release from prison. Community Supervision is an alternate to a prison term. A defendant who has been adjudicated by the court for a criminal offense can have the sentence suspended or set aside with guidelines and placed on supervision.

3. What happen to people placed on supervision?: The sentencing court will order numerous number of conditions and programs to which the probationer must complete and adhere.

4. Does everyone qualify for supervision?: No, some offender by statue are ineligible for supervision.

5. Who placed the defendant’s on supervision?: The judge places the defendants on supervision via plea bargain by the State Attorney, by the jury recommendation or by a bench trial.

6. What is restitution?: Restitution is court order money that the defendant has been order to pay back to victim or victims. Most of the defendants that are court order restitution are allowed to pay off in monthly installments.

7. Who may citizen’s contact or complaint about offenders on Supervision?: A citizen is welcome to contact the office 830-774-7554 or come by the office and speak to the officer in charge.

8. What is the website of registered sex offender in the state of Texas?: The URL for Texas Department of Public safety Sex Offender Registry, Click Here.

9. Who do I contact to report a new crime a probationer has committed?: You need to first contact and make a report to the local law enforcement agency, than you can contact the probationer’s officer in order for this department to take any action.

10. How and where do I make payment?: Payments may be made via money order, cashier’s check or credit cards. No cash or personal checks accepted.

11. What should I bring on my first Office Visit?: You must bring an ID or DL. Copy of high School or higher education certificate and or GED.

12. What happens if I miss my appointment?: A miss appointment consist a violation of supervision. If you miss your appointment it is extremely important to contact your officer as soon as possible. Remember your officer is tight up and it is not you that they have in their caseload. Don’t just show up without an appointment.

13. What is not allowed in the office?: Weapons nor work tools are not permitted at any time in the office. Also not permitted are back packs and/or purses. If a back pack or a purse is brought in it will be subject to search. This department is not a place to bring children. Children should never accompany anyone when they report.

14. What is community Service?: Community Service is volunteer work. The court may order a probationer to perform Volunteer work for a nonprofit organization or government agency that has been approved by the Val Verde Supervision Department.

15. How do I sign up for Community Service?: You must make an appointment with the CSR Coordinator by calling 830-774-7554.

16. I am on probation for DWI or drugs and my conditions say I need to take an approved alcohol / drug education program within 180 days. What is this?: For DWI 1st it is the DWI Class, the standard DWI class consist of 12 hours and is available in our district. (See service render on home web page for information)
For DWI 2nd or more it is also the standard required by the state and it is also available in our district (See service render on home web page for information)
For anyone on a drug charge or that is required to take the drug class it is the Drug Offender Education Program (DOEP). The class consist the standard required 15 hours course and this class is available in our district (See service render on home web page for information).

17. What is Deferred Adjudication?: It is a type of supervision that if it is successfully competed it will prevent a final conviction from appearing on your record, however the arrest and the facts on the case will still come out. There are some cases that do not qualify for Deferred Adjudication.

18. How do I determine if my Driving privileges are suspended?: An individual should call or stop by the Texas Department of Public Safety to check if the privileges has been revoked. One should not drive but rather have someone take them to a DPS office to check if the license has been suspended. Driving while a license invalid or suspended is a violation of the law.

19. I need to prove to my Probation Officer proof I have a GED, high school diploma or a higher education degree but I cannot find it. Where do I obtain a copy?: For GED you may obtain a copy following instructions from this link: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/GEDsearch.html. This only applies if the GED was received in Texas.
For high school diploma you can contact the high school you graduated from for information.
For a higher education you can contact the college, technical school or university for a copy of diploma or/and transcript.

20. How much community supervision does costs?: The court can order an individual on community supervision to pay up to $60.00 a month, plus court costs, program costs and restitution to a victim

21. Can a Probation Officer carry a firearms?: With the right training and qualification, the State of Texas allows a probation officer to carry a firearm if the director approves it.

22. How are my civil rights affected?: When you are placed on community supervision, your Civil Rights can be affected. These include the right to vote, hold public office, and serve on a jury. The Federal Gun Control Act may prohibit you from possessing or buying firearms or ammunition. You can contact the local probation department for more information

23. Can I get a copy of my criminal history or offense report from my officer?: No. You need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for a criminal history. The offender must also contact the arresting agency for information about obtaining a copy of the police report