Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Mandatory participation in the Choices Program or the Samaritan Counseling program which are programs specifically designed for Offender accountability for men who have been convicted of a crime related to act(s) of domestic violence. The Choices Program is 26 (or 6 months) weeks long with weekly group sessions at a cost to the Offender based on a sliding scale based on financial capability, up to $15 per session. This fee schedule is a flat fee and applies to all Probationers regardless of financial hardship, the fee cannot be waived as it is directly linked to the success of the program. Typically, an Offender must complete this program as part of their Probation Conditions prior to being permitted to be discharged from Probation, even if their maximum expiration date is about to be reached.
There are a number of specific conditions related to Probation supervision of Offenders convicted for Domestic Violence related crimes. Some of them include:
- Mandatory participation in the Choices Program or the Samaritan Counseling program which are programs specifically designed for Offender accountability for men who have been convicted of a crime related to act(s) of domestic violence. The Choices Program is approximately six (6) months long with weekly group sessions. Typically, an Offender must complete this program as part of their Probation Conditions prior to being permitted to be discharged from Probation, even if their maximum expiration date is about to be reached. This program has a sliding fee schedule and regardless of hardship, the fee cannot be waived as it is intrinsic to the success of the program.
- Other specialized conditions include prohibition of any and all alcohol use, purchase, or possession along with random drug screening and participation in mental health and / or substance abuse treatment. Home visits are made at random and various times of the day, along with participation with the Utica Police Department, including evening visits. The purpose of these joint visits is to help insure Offender accountability and victim safety. If there is an active Order of Protection naming the Offender as the subject of that order and he / she is found to be violating that order, even if it is a Family Court order, new criminal charges may be lodged against the Offender and most certainly, a violation of Probation petition will be forwarded to the sentencing court.
