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| FAQs | USEFUL LINKS |
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Q: Why is the Presidental Pardon important?
In Texas, any person convicted of a felony loses certain rights, including voting, holding public office, serving on juries, and securing certain occupational licenses. The Federal Firearms Act prohibits the possession of a firearm of any kind by a person convicted of a felony. A Presidential Pardon restores some of those rights.
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Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Call or make an appointment with your USPO.
For questions related to parole or mandatory release, please visit the U.S. Parole Commission website. |
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Q: 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?
If an individual is on supervision due to Pretrial Diversion, that information may not be disclosed. The fact that an individual is on supervision due to pretrial release, a probation sentence or a term of supervised release is a matter of public record, obtainable through the U.S. District Clerk's Office. We can relay that public information and can also advise if an individual is on parole. However, we cannot disclose any additional file information. You may speak with the supervising officer to provide information that may be of assistance in the supervision of any individual under our supervision, including the reporting of apparent violation behavior. |
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Q: Does a Pretrial Services Officer work for the U.S. Attorneys Office, also known as the "government?"
No. Pretrial services works directly for the U.S. Courts, and more specifically for all judges in the Northern District. The role of the Pretrial Services Officer is not to prosecute your case or defend your case. It is to provide objective, unbiased, verified information to the Court and supervise the defendant in the community. The U.S. Attorneys Office works for the Department of Justice. |
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Q: I am on Pretrial supervision, and I was arrested or cited. What do I do now?
Notify your officer within one business day if you have been arrested, cited, or questioned by law enforcement for a law violation. |
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Q: I was sentenced and have been allowed to self surrender to a Federal institution. Am I still on supervision?
Yes, all pretrial defendants remain on supervision until such time that they are placed on probation or surrender to prison. |
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Q: Does the Pretrial Service office drug test individuals who are placed on supervision?
The office does do drug testing of individuals if the Court has ordered drug-testing as a condition of release. |
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Q: What services are afforded to individuals placed on supervision to the Pretrial Services Office?
Title 18 USC ยง 3154(4) allow the chief officer to operate or contract for operation facilities for the care of defendants including substance abuse and mental health counseling services.
For other Pretrial Services questions, please contact a Pretrial Services office: Amarillo: 806-324-2351 Dallas: 214-753-2500 Fort Worth: 817-978-3633 Lubbock: 806-472-7001 |
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Q: How do I apply for a pardon?
The best information can be found on the Department of Justice website: www.usdoj.gov |
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Q: 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 jail or prison sentence. |
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Q: How can I get off supervision early?
After one year, a motion can be made to the Court for early release, for cause. The probation officer may also file a motion, once a person on supervision becomes statutorily eligible for early termination. |
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Q: 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. 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. |
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Q: By what day of the month must my probation officer receive my written monthly report?
The written monthly report is due to the USPO by the fifth day of each month. |
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Q: Must I submit to urinalysis even though my offense is not drug-related?
Yes. Unannounced urine testing may be conducted on any person under supervision. |
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Q: What happens if I violate my conditions of release?
All violations are reported to either the sentencing Court, the U.S. Parole Commission, or the Military Parole Board. Based upon the nature and/or severity of the violations, either more stringent conditions may be imposed or formal Court and/or Parole Commission proceedings may take place, which could result in incarceration. |
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Q: Will my probation officer come to my home or workplace?
Yes. The USPO shall 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. |
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Q: I have an urgent issue and my officer is not available. What should I do?
In the event you need immediate assistance and your supervision officer is unavailable, call the office and ask to speak to the duty officer. |
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Q: I forgot to call the drug line last night, what can I do now?
Call your supervision officer as soon as possible to check if you are scheduled for drug testing today. |
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Q: I am on drug testing and was just prescribed medication by my doctor. What should I do?
All prescriptions should be immediately reported to your supervision officer. You are required to bring in all prescriptions to each drug test for verification purposes. |
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Q: What is the telephone number for the State and/or County probation office?
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