What is Community Corrections?

Community Corrections is a program that was established by the Virginia General Assembly in the 1994, under the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act (CCCA), for local responsible offenders. The legislation enabled localities to expand probation services, implement local sentencing alternatives, and enhance sanctions for adult non-violent offenders. A Judge may place adult misdemeanants and class 5 and 6 felons on community corrections supervision prior or subsequent to a conviction under specified sanctions or special conditions.

Commonly Used Terms

Misdemeanor - A criminal offense that is punishable by fine up to $2,500 and/or up to twelve months of confinement in jail.

Felony - A major criminal offense typically punishable by imprisonment for one year or more; or up to twelve months in jail and/or a fine.

Disposition - The established outcome of a case.

Sanction - A condition used to enforce a law or certain standard.

Restitution - The return of property or compensation to a victim, usually in the form of money.

Show Cause - An order to appear in court; summons.

Capias - An order to take a person into custody; arrest warrant.

What Services Does Community Corrections Provide?

• Information to the criminal justice system (judiciary, magistrates, and commonwealth's attorney) that ensures the use of proper sanctions for each defendant appropriate to the circumstances of the offense, prior criminal history, previous adjustment to probation and/or treatment, and substance abuse screening and/or assessment.

• Supervision through a variety of intermediate sanctions consistent with the community's views regarding offender accountability, responsibility, punishment, and concerns for public safety.

• Assurance to the community that the offender is held accountable for his/her criminal behavior through probation supervision, payment of restitution, fines, and costs, performance of community service work, and completion of treatment or any other special conditions of probation.

• Opportunities for offenders to participate in educational, training, job placement, and treatment services that will enable them to become more functional members of the community.

What Is The Supervision Process?

• An offender may be placed on supervised probation for a period of up to two years instead of serving an entire jail sentence or paying a fine. Disposition of a case may include:

1. Guilty - Offender may be placed on probation with or without a suspended jail sentence and/or fine.
2. Deferred Disposition - Case may be taken under advisement or placed on deferred status. A deferred disposition case may be dismissed if defendant is compliant with conditions of supervision for a specified period, generally one year.
3. Not Guilty

• A Community Corrections Officer (case manager) supervises the placement (offender or defendant). The case manager assists in meeting the terms of supervision and reports non-compliance when the conditions of supervision (listed below) are not met.

• Should an offender or defendant become non-compliant, a show cause or capias for an arrest may be issued. When the case is returned to the court, additional or more restrictive sanctions may be imposed by the judge. Sanctions may include any combination of the following:
  • Incarceration
  • Fines
  • Extension of supervision
  • House arrest
  • Home electronic monitoring
  • community service work

Standard Conditions of Supervision

• Report monthly (minimum) to case manager
• Reside at a specific residence and notify case manager prior to any changes
• Be truthful and cooperative
• Notify case manager of any changes in employment within one week
• Appear in court as ordered by the court
• Possession of firearms prohibited if convicted of felony or domestic assault
• Be of good behavior
• Notify case manager of any arrests or traffic citations within three days
• Remain free of any illegal drugs
• Refrain from the abuse of alcohol
• Submit to random drug and alcohol testing
• Travel outside Virginia is prohibited unless authorized by case manager

Additional Conditions

• Pay restitution, fines, and court costs within a specified period of time
• Perform community service work, not less than 20 hours per month, at approved site
• Enter and complete recommended treatment programs (mental health, substance abuse, sex offender, anger management, and/or domestic violence)
• No use of alcohol
• House arrest or home electronic monitoring
• No contact with victim
• Weapon confiscation
• Attend educational programs (i.e., GED)

Contact a Community Corrections Officer at:
53 Court Square, Suite 175
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Telephone: (540) 564-3144
Fax: (540) 564-3393