Frequently Asked Questions

Individual property tax bills are calculated by the county auditor and mailed by the county treasurer.

The Department of Local Government Finance issues a budget order for each of Indiana's 92 counties. The budget order is a critical document in calculating tax bills, a county-level function. The order contains the state's certification of the approved budget, the estimated assessed value, the tax rate and the levy for each fund of each taxing unit in a county. The order also gives the total tax rate for each taxing district and may include certain local homestead credits. Other local homestead credits are calculated by the county auditor after the budget order is certified.

For information about when you will receive your property tax bill or for questions related to your bill, please contact your county treasurer or your county auditor. 

Deductions work by reducing the amount of assessed value a taxpayer pays on a given parcel of property. To file for the Homestead Credit or another deduction, call the County Auditor at 812-265-8907, who can also advise if you have already filed.

You can download forms from the State of Indiana website.

https://www.in.gov/dlgf/8516.htm

Property taxes represent a property owner’s portion of the local government’s budgeted spending for the previous year. Increases or decreases depend upon a local government’s fiscal management, the assessed valuation of a property and/or local tax rates, which are based on the budget proposals submitted by local government taxing entities that provide services to each community.

To calculate an individual’s property tax bill, the county official takes the tax rate multiplied by the assessed value after all deductions are subtracted and after all state credits (homestead and property tax replacement credits) are applied. Tax rates are determined by dividing the estimated amount of funds to be raised by the local unit of government by the net assessed value of all property in a county, minus the applicable deductions.

Deductions work by reducing the amount of assessed value a taxpayer pays on a given parcel of property. Information on what deductions are available and the qualifications can be located on DLGF.

To file for the Homestead Credit or another deduction, contact the County Auditor, who can also advise if you have already filed. Auditor's Office 812-265-8907

Individual property tax bills are calculated by the County Auditor and mailed by the County Treasurer.

The Department of Local Government Finance issues a budget order for each of Indiana’s 92 counties. The budget order is a critical document in calculating tax bills – a county-level function. The order contains the state's certification of the approved budget, the estimated assessed value, the tax rate and the levy for each fund of each taxing unit in a county. The order also gives the total tax rate and property tax replacement credit (PTRC) rate, homestead credit rate and the local homestead credit rate for each taxing district. 

For information about when you will receive your property tax bill or for questions related to your bill, please contact the County Treasurer or your County Auditor. 

To view current and past property tax billing information, please see https://jeffersoncounty.in.gov/412/GIS-Tax-Information

PTABOA Notice-Sept 2023

Please bring your Indiana Driver’s License or ID and the last 5 digits of your social security number.

Effective 7/30/2021, all tax mailing addresses must be changed by using the change request form on your tax statement, submitting an online form or by printing this form. 

$20 fee for filing a sales disclosure form, as well as $10 per parcel transfer fee. 

No, for real property, you do not need to refile each year. The only instance where you would need to file each year is if you live in a personal property mobile home, you will need to bring a copy of your title or a copy of a land contract each year to refile for your homestead per IC.

• You’re adjusted gross income cannot exceed $33,653.52 individual/$44,871.36 combined household income and your property assessment cannot exceed $240,000. 
• Must be over 65 on or before December 31 of the year preceeding the year in which the deduction is claimed
• Please contact the VSO for more information and other veteran benefits! 812-265-3600

You will need to start your process at the Veteran’s Service Office in the Jefferson County Annex, located at 315 Jefferson Street.

Anyone wishing to file an action on their own without counsel may visit the government website to search for forms. The only forms provided by the Circuit Court is the “Application for Emergency Detention of Mentally Ill and/or Dangerous Person.”

The Court’s general practice is not to appoint legal counsel in civil proceedings. Indiana statute provides a defendant in criminal proceedings the right to court-appointed counsel if they are unable to afford legal representation.

The Commissioners represent all citizens of Jefferson County. However, each Commissioner resides in the District they serve. 

Jefferson County is broken down into 3 districts; an upper, middle and lower. 

View the map of districts and to see who your Commissioner is (PDF).

All Commissioners meetings are held twice a month at 5:00pm in the Commissioners office at:

300 E Main Street

Room 103

Madison, Indiana 47250

For a complete list view the Commissioners Meetings (PDF).

Yes! We encourage the public to come to as many meetings as they choose. If you are unable to attend a meeting, our agendas and minutes are posted on the homepage.

Upon occasion, the Commissioners will be required to meet in an executive session. Executive Sessions are not open to the public. During an executive session, Commissioners are only allowed to only discuss certain topics according to IC 5-14-1.5-6.1. The topic that will be discussed will be posted on the agenda.

The Open-Door Law does not guarantee the right to speak at public meetings. However, the President of the Board of Commissioners may open the floor to public comment to address matters which are related to County Government. If you are called upon to speak, please state your name and address the entire board and not just one person. Please limit your comments to 5 minutes. The President of the Board of Commissioners shall control the amount of time each person is allowed to speak.

Agenda requests should be submitted to the Commissioners Office at least 48 hours before the meeting. View Agenda request Form.

The coroner has jurisdiction over all deaths that occur in their county under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances. The coroner may also be involved in natural deaths that were unattended by a physician. 

The coroner will actually investigate approximately 12% of the deaths in their county and 60% of those may be natural deaths.

No. Death certificates are the responsibility of the vital records division of the county health department. The coroner will sign the certificate for coroner cases and then turn the certificate over to the health department for completion. 

The certificate is to be filed within 72 hours, but the cause and manner of death can be deferred pending further investigation.

In the state of Indiana the autopsy must be performed by a Board Certified Pathologist.

There are a number of reasons autopsies are performed. 

However, the basic reason is to determine the cause and manner of death when it is not known, also to gather evidence for presentation in a court of law.

A criminal action cannot begin without an investigation by a law enforcement agency. Criminal activity must be referred to a law enforcement agency for an investigation. Our Investigator can direct you towards the appropriate agency.

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office will request a No-Contact Order for victims of a crime as part of filing new criminal charges. Without the filing of charges, a private citizen may apply for a Civil Protective Order at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office located in the Courthouse.

Once a law enforcement agency is contacted to investigate the commission of a crime, and charges are filed, the Prosecutor retains sole discretion in the disposition of that case. It is the Prosecutor’s duty to represent the interests of the greater community and the laws of the State of Indiana.
Our office policy is that once a person is charged with a crime, the presumption will be that that individual will be prosecuted. However, the victim has the right to be heard and the Prosecutor will take this position into consideration when deciding the appropriate course of action.

A Court may order a person who is convicted of a crime to pay restitution to the victim, the victim’s family, or the victim’s estate for certain expenses related to the crime. Restitution payments may be ordered for property damage, medical and hospital bills, funeral and burial costs, or other items determined appropriate by the Court. These payments are to be made through the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. If you are the victim of a crime and you believe you are owed restitution, please submit documentation of expenses related to the crime to the Victim Advocate.

Click Here to View and Print a list of the County Council Meeting Dates

Yes! We encourage the public to come to as many meetings as they choose. If you are unable to attend a meeting, our agendas and minutes are posted on our website.

The Open - Door Law does not guarantee the right to speak at public meetings. However, the President of the County Council may open the floor to public comment to address matters which are related to County Government. If you are called upon to speak, please state your name and address the entire board and not just one person. Please limit your comments to 5 minutes. The President of the County Council shall control the amount of time each person is allowed to speak.

Agenda requests should be submitted to the Auditors Office at least 48 hours before the meeting. Click Here to access our online request form.

It is the policy of the Jefferson County Recorder to not accept blanket documents.

Restrictive covenants are filed with the recorder's office. Covenants can exist either as separate documents or as part of the original plat of the subdivision. On rare occasions, neighborhood associations also record their bylaws.

The Jefferson County Recorder's Office provides blank copies of the Assumed Business Name. No other forms or templates are provided by the Recorder’s Office.

The Recorder's Office is a state constitutional office and as such, fees charged by the Recorder's Office (such as the $1 per page cost of copies) are established under Indiana Code 36-2-7.

Recording requirements are set by Indiana Code 36-2-11.

Consult an attorney to make certain you are executing a deed or instrument which transfers the property rights and interests you wish to transfer.

In order to record a properly prepared deed or instrument, it must first have been submitted to the Jefferson County Assessor's Office and the Jefferson County Auditor's Office. The Jefferson County Assessor will require a sales disclosure form to be filed prior to recording, if the transaction is non-exempt.

You may dissolve an assumed business name by filing a Dissolution of Assumed Business Name.

The deed to your home or property is a public record available in the Recorder's Office. In many cases, it costs $2 or less to obtain a copy of your deed from the Recorder's Office. To obtain a copy of your deed, you will need to provide the owner's name, the property's legal description and an approximate date of purchase. This office can not locate properties by key numbers or by addresses.

You are required under Indiana Code 23-15-1-1 to file a fictitious business name statement for a variety of different reasons. This document, known as a Certificate of Assumed Business Name, should be filed in the recorder's office in the county in which you are doing business. This is only for Individuals, sole-proprietorships, or general partnerships conducting business under a name other than their real name. All other types of businesses should go to State of Indiana Website.

The Recorder’s Office accepts cash, check, cashier’s check, and money orders. Debit and credit cards are not accepted. 

Birth and death certificates are found in the Jefferson County Health Department.

State Tax liens and judgements of any kind are found in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.

Marriage licenses are obtained in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.

The Recorder's Office is committed to providing excellent customer service. However, for liability reasons, our office does not provide search services nor give out recording information over the phone. Customers may search the General Index themselves for recorded documents. Our records are available to the public with exception of military discharges during office hours. If you cannot come into the office, you may send a representative or contact a title company for assistance. Check the yellow pages for listings.

To request copies of recorded documents by mail you must include payment of $1 per page for the copy or copies (or $5 per copy or copies of pages larger than 11x17) and have the recording number or the book and page number. If you do not have this information, come in person or send a representative to the Jefferson County Recorder's Office or contact a title company to do a search for you and then place the copy order.

Certification is an additional $5.

No, you must call during office hours. You may leave a message and we will return your call.

Please do not leave multiple messages with the same information/questions.

No, Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections are all separate departments located in separate locations.

All fees are paid to the  Jefferson County Clerk:

2^nd floor, Courthouse

300 E Main Street

Madison, IN  47250

Yes. If the closure is due to inclement weather, all appointments will be rescheduled.

If you are outside the Madison city limits, you must first contact the Jefferson County Surveyor’s Office to get a building permit. If you are within the city limits, contact the City of Madison Planning Commission to get your permit. After you have an approved permit, you may contact the 911 Administrative Office to receive your new address. 

An applicant must contact the Seymour Office of the Indiana Department of Transportation in order to obtain a driveway permit. The following telephone numbers, locations, and working hours shall be used in referring the applicant to the District:

Phone: 812-522-5649

Fax Number: 812-522-7658

Address: 

185 Agrico Lane 

Seymour, IN 47274

Email Seymour Department of Transportation

Hours

8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The judge is not a lawyer for either side. A judge is never permitted to give you legal advice about how to proceed with your case or tell you what you should or should not do. The court staff and clerks are not lawyers and so cannot give you legal advice. They also are not permitted to give you any help or advice about how best to handle your case.

If you need legal advice, you should contact an attorney of your choosing to obtain advice and instructions about what law applies to your case. The lawyer can tell you what the law allows and does not allow; can advise you about rules of procedure and rules of evidence. The judge, and court staff and clerks can never do this.

You must correctly complete all paperwork and forms. You must file your paperwork properly and on time. You must always give the other side a copy of any and all paperwork or forms you file with the court. While the court staff and clerks can show you where you can find forms you might find helpful in presenting or defending your case, they can never tell you what words to say or write on the forms.

No. Our court system is designed to be an adversarial system. This permits each party to present their side and their evidence to the judge in the presence of each other. This way, each party knows and sees everything the judge hears, sees and considers in order to decide the case.

Rules from the Indiana Supreme Court strictly forbid judges from hearing evidence or talking about a case unless both sides have received a notice to appear in court and are given a chance to present their side of the case. A judge is not allowed to only listen to one side of the case if the other party has not had the chance to be present in court. This would not be fair.

If you write a letter or send an email, the judge will not write back. Anything you send to the court, you must also send to the other party. There can never be any one-sided communication with the judge about your case. When anyone tries to talk to or communicate with a judge about any case and the other side is not present, this is called ex parte communication and is not permitted by the Code of Judicial Conduct.

If the survey was ever recorded, the Jefferson County Recorder’s office will have it on file.

Unfortunately, the Jefferson County Surveyor’s Office cannot recommend any one company or person over another.

You will need to contact Jefferson County Central Dispatch at 812-265-2648 and they will dispatch an Animal Control Officer.

If you feel that your neighbor has built on your property and an agreement cannot be reached between you and your neighbor, this would be a private legal issue and you would need to consult a real estate attorney.

You may also be advised to have a boundary survey carried out.

Apply for a gun permit online.

You can find the registry online.

Tax bills are mailed once a year in mid-April with both installment remittance slips included. Payments must be received by the deadline to avoid late fee penalties.

You can calculate an Estimate of your bill online.
Choose Jefferson County, Select a tax district from the drop down box at the top of the form. Enter an assessed value for the property. Next select any deductions that may apply to the parcel by clicking on the check boxes. Finally, click on the “Calculate This Bill” button to get an estimated bill.  

Effective 7/30/2021, all tax mailing addresses must be changed by using the change request form on your tax statement, submitting an online form or by printing this form.

Fill out a Form SF180 and send it the NPRC or come into the office and your CVSO can help fill out the form and fax it to the National Personnel Records Center for you.

Custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and legal guardians can apply for child support services regardless of their level of income.

You may pick up an application for services at the Prosecutor’s Office Child Support Division or print out the application online at: https://www.in.gov/dcs/2483.htm. Completed applications should be delivered to the Child Support Division of the Prosecutor’s Office (located directly behind the Jefferson County Courthouse in Downtown Madison) in person or by mail to 315 ½ E Second St. Madison, IN 47250.

No. You will need to seek the advice of an attorney outside of the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office regarding those issues.

No. You will need to seek the advice of an attorney outside of the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office regarding those issues.

Yes. In Indiana, the Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate child support and take into consideration the income of both parents.

Federal regulations require the Child Support Division to open cases and establish accounts at the request of either parent. Support payments must be paid to the agency specified in the court order (usually the Jefferson County Clerk) for the other parent to receive credit. GENERALLY, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR PAYMENTS MADE TO THE CUSTODIAL PARENT OR IN-KIND PAYMENTS SUCH AS PURCHASE OF CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, RENT, ETC. Paying through the Clerk will ensure an accurate record of your payments. Payments should always clearly identify the case number and for whom the payment is made.

Then the Prosecutor’s Office can file a paternity action to establish Paternity in your case.

Paternity is fatherhood. Establishing paternity simply means to make the biological father the "legal" father.

Both parents and the child have the right to a parent-child relationship. Both parents and the child deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in this relationship. Both parents have the right to know and the responsibility to support their own son or daughter.

IDENTITY: It is important to know who we are. Your child has the right to the sense of belonging that comes from knowing both parents.

MONEY: The law requires both parents to support their children. This is true even with an unplanned pregnancy. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs.

BENEFITS: Your child has the right to other benefits from both parents. These benefits may include Social Security, insurance benefits, inheritance rights, veteran's and other types of benefits.

MEDICAL: Your child may need a complete Medical history from the families of both parents. This could include inherited health problems.

The father has the opportunity to be a father to the child. He can experience the companionship and rewards that come with spending time with his child. The father has the right to establish and maintain a relationship with his child, as well as an obligation to financially support his child.

The age of the father or mother is not relevant under paternity establishment laws.

Indiana law permits a paternity action to be started any time before the child reaches the age of 21.

It means you must provide any information or documents needed by the Child Support Division to establish paternity and/or locate the parent, and to get support payments for your child.

• Verify Financial participation- Are petitioners on the road willing to contribute a dollar amount towards the project? If so, make sure the dollar amount is specified
• Verify the number of petitions signed vs number of parcel owners on your section of road
• Right of Way- the more people to grant a right of way, the better! It’s best to be able to widen the roadway

We use INDOT’s traffic counts for our County roads. If a traffic count is not found, the Highway Superintendent will take an average of the surrounding road counts for your particular road. 

When using the map, it’s best to use the + and - sign on the top left corner of the map to zoom into a particular area. 

We use INDOT’s functional class map to validate if the road is considered a minor arterial or a major/minor collector. To view the functional class map for Jefferson County, click here!

View our Conversion Procedure Readiness sheet here!

Once you have submitted petitions for your section of road, you do not have to fill them out each year. The program deadlines will be June 1 of each year. You, as the point of contact for your section of road, will be given the opportunity each year to review your petitions before the June 1 deadline.

As the point of contact, it is your responsibility to get a new petition signed by the new landowner. If ownership changes and we do not have a petition, we will remove that petition from the application, resulting in a lower percentage of participation score.  

Chip Seal is an application of a bituminous binder covered with an application of clean graded aggregate to an existing asphalt surface. It is also known as armor coat, bituminous sealing or seal coat, to name a few. The binders may be emulsions, paving grade asphalt cements, and modified versions of each being modified with various polymers such as latex, tire and natural rubbers.

The aggregates commonly vary in size from a maximum of 5/8 of an inch to a minimum of ¼ inch with less than 5% passing the No. 4 screen. Aggregate must be durable with the use of crushed stone, gravels or manufactured aggregates. Aggregates may be pre-coated with a small % of asphalt cement when used with hot asphalt binders. Chip Seal has been used in various forms since at least the early 1900’s. The quality has improved over the years with better binder technology, cleaner aggregates, and improved equipment and a better understanding of how the materials perform together.

By making use of the best local aggregates with the most compatible binders while considering climate, traffic count and type to maximize results with awareness of cost with the funds that are available. Once the binder and aggregate are selected there are procedures to determine the rates of application for each.

The binder is applied by an asphalt distributor which has the capability of applying the design rate at the desired width. The binder application is followed by a mechanical aggregate spreader that is also capable of applying a design rate at the desired width. Then rolling is performed with pneumatic rollers to set the cover aggregate into the binder. Finally, if there is any loose aggregate, it is removed by a rotary broom.

There are virtually an unlimited number of Chip Seal combinations depending on what type of binder and aggregate are available. Chip Seal is normally one application but can be applied in double or even triple applications if needed. Multiple applications commonly use different sizes of aggregates to help “lock” the applications together.

Chip Seal is a comparatively low cost method of maintaining an asphalt surface indefinitely that can make use of local materials, and be performed by contract or by using local maintenance personnel. Traffic can be back on the road in minutes. A finished Chip Seal is very pleasing in appearance and traffic markings show up very well.

Anyone wishing to file an action on their own without counsel may visit the government website to search for forms. The only forms provided by the Circuit Court is the “Application for Emergency Detention of Mentally Ill and/or Dangerous Person.”

The Court’s general practice is not to appoint legal counsel in civil proceedings. Indiana statute provides a defendant in criminal proceedings the right to court-appointed counsel if they are unable to afford legal representation.

The judge is not a lawyer for either side. A judge is never permitted to give you legal advice about how to proceed with your case or tell you what you should or should not do. The court staff and clerks are not lawyers and so cannot give you legal advice. They also are not permitted to give you any help or advice about how best to handle your case.

If you need legal advice, you should contact an attorney of your choosing to obtain advice and instructions about what law applies to your case. The lawyer can tell you what the law allows and does not allow; can advise you about rules of procedure and rules of evidence. The judge, and court staff and clerks can never do this.

You must correctly complete all paperwork and forms. You must file your paperwork properly and on time. You must always give the other side a copy of any and all paperwork or forms you file with the court. While the court staff and clerks can show you where you can find forms you might find helpful in presenting or defending your case, they can never tell you what words to say or write on the forms.

No. Our court system is designed to be an adversarial system. This permits each party to present their side and their evidence to the judge in the presence of each other. This way, each party knows and sees everything the judge hears, sees and considers in order to decide the case.

Rules from the Indiana Supreme Court strictly forbid judges from hearing evidence or talking about a case unless both sides have received a notice to appear in court and are given a chance to present their side of the case. A judge is not allowed to only listen to one side of the case if the other party has not had the chance to be present in court. This would not be fair.

If you write a letter or send an email, the judge will not write back. Anything you send to the court, you must also send to the other party. There can never be any one-sided communication with the judge about your case. When anyone tries to talk to or communicate with a judge about any case and the other side is not present, this is called ex parte communication and is not permitted by the Code of Judicial Conduct.

You can take an internet speed test anytime you want, but there are different purposes to choose one speed test platform over another. Your internet service provider (ISP) may offer one of their own. There was a speed test sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau in the past, but the current speed test platform Indiana residents should use is through ConnectingIndiana.com

“Unserved” refers to any location without access to internet which provides the federally required minimum speed of at least 25mbps download and 3mbps upload. This definition also applies to any areas where the only type of internet service available is satellite. “Underserved” refers to any location without access to internet speeds of at least 100mbps download and 20 mbps upload.

A sentence of Probation, affords you an opportunity to remain in the community with specific conditions instead of being sentenced to jail or the Department of Correction. Being on probation allows you to work and be with your family and friends. A probation officer will be assigned to assist and monitor you during your time on probation.

Probation is also an opportunity for you to make positive changes in your life. Your conditions of probation are designed to help you address problems that are known to contribute to criminal behavior. Your probation officer can be very helpful by referring you to resources, answering questions, and guiding you in meeting the conditions of your probation.  If you comply with the Court’s orders and the probation officer’s instructions you will complete your probation successfully. However, if you violate the conditions or fail to follow your probation officer’s instructions, your probation will/may be violated and a judge may sentence you to jail.

Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) for adults and the Indiana Youth Assessment System (IYAS) for juveniles determine a probationer’s risk of committing a new crime and helps the probation officer know what thinking and behaviors need to change to prevent the probationer from returning to the justice system. These assessments help you and your probation officer in planning and interventions.

The frequency and nature of contacts will depend on a variety of factors, mainly related to your RISK ASSESSMENT. Your probation officer will inform you of the day and time, and you are required to report. If you have an emergency or illness that prevents you from reporting as directed, call and speak to your probation officer or their supervisor and get a new appointment. Your probation officer may also visit you at your home or place of employment. These field visits must be conducted as part of the supervision process and it is not their intent to embarrass you or create problems for you or your family. If you have any specific concerns about field visits, you should share them with your probation officer beforehand.

You must provide verification of: employment (a pay stub), residence (a lease, copy of a utility bill, etc.), community service hours, counseling or program attendance, all drug prescriptions, documentation of any medical conditions, immigration registration, and any other documents requested by your probation officer. For safety reasons, children are not allowed in probation appointments, they are also not allowed to sit in the hallway unattended.  PLEASE MAKE OTHER arrangements.

Releases of information are required so that the probation officer can verify your attendance and completion of any court ordered treatment program(s).  It also allows your treatment providers to speak with your PO so they can assist each other in your treatment, recovery or physical ailments. Additional releases (DCS, CASA) may be required depending on your individual circumstance.

You may be placed on a term of Administrative Probation supervision. Administrative Probation is a non-reporting status of Probation.  You have a probation officer assigned to monitor compliance with any court orders and you must contact the probation officer to report any change in employment, or residence, and to request permission to travel out of state.  You may be permitted to mail in verification of community service hours, verification of any required program(s), and payments of restitution and fees. If you are notified to report in person, you are expected to follow the instructions to report.  If you fail to follow any of your conditions then additional supervision will be required and may include your case being returned to court for a violation hearing.

Generally, all court ordered fees and restitution payments are made at the Clerk’s Office of the sentencing court. You may pay online by visiting the Jefferson County Payment Center or in person at the court house.  Payment must be made with credit card, cash, certified bank check or money order. You will be provided with a receipt for each payment you make. Please save your receipts.  All other fees for your community supervision will be paid at the Court Services Office where you meet with your PO.   Please speak with your probation officer for more information.

If you do not follow the conditions of your probation, your probation officer is required by the court to take action. This action may include requesting a warrant for your arrest, the judge requiring you to return to court to add more conditions to your probation, or your probation could be revoked. If your probation is revoked, the judge may sentence you to the Indiana Department of Correction or local jail.  Remember, your probation officer has been assigned to help you follow the conditions of your probation. He/she is available to assist you with any problems and refer you to community resources for aid in dealing with your problems. A probation officer is also responsible to the court and helps protect the community. The probation officer cannot excuse you from any of your conditions (such as reporting, making payments, completing community service, drug testing, etc.)  Your Probation Officer is here to help you fulfill your conditions and to see that you are not involved in the Justice System again.

The obligation to pay fees and/or restitution is not to be taken lightly. Failure to pay, especially if you knowingly or intentionally fail to pay, is a violation of your probation conditions and could result in the court finding you in violation.

If you have been adjudicated or convicted of an offense that is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, you have a duty to provide a DNA sample through the Indiana State Police Crime Laboratory. Refusal to provide the required sample is a violation of your probation in addition to being a separate criminal offense.  When you report for your initial appointment to be admitted to probation your intake officer will conduct a mouth swab and submit it to the Indiana State Police Crime Laboratory. 

A pre-sentence investigation is a background check and social history compiled by the Probation Department prior to sentencing, and provided to the Judge, Prosecutor, and your Attorney. Pre-sentence investigations are ordered in nearly all felony cases, and in some misdemeanor cases if requested. The information from the pre-sentence investigation is used by the Court to assist in determining an appropriate decision in your case. Pre-Sentence investigations are considered confidential information, and are not released to the public.

Yes, provided you have received permission from your probation officer and state/local policy allows it. You must first report to Court Services and meet with your probation officer. Your probation officer will explain the process and what is required for the transfer of your probation supervision to the new state. The Interstate Commission for Adult Supervision (ICAOS) can be found on the web (www.adultcompact.org). There is a similar system for transfer of juvenile probation. For detailed information click on the section, “How can I transfer my supervision?”

Permission may be granted provided you are in compliance with the court imposed conditions of your probation, have received permission from your probation officer and a travel permit has been issued. Such travel requires a waiver of extradition, and may be subject to other restrictions, appropriate to your case.

If the probationer is eighteen years or older, probation officers cannot discuss the status of a probationer with family members, friends or spouse. 

Probation officers cannot release any information to the neighbor, even whether or not a person is currently on probation.

All clients are subject to urine drug screens while under the supervision of the Probation Department. Every day of your supervision you will call an automated drug screen line that will inform you if you need to report to Court Services to provide a drug screen urine sample.  It is expected that all clients will be randomly screened on a regular basis. The Probation Department conducts urine drug screens in accordance with industry standards and follows a very strict chain of custody. A Probation Department employee observes all screens. The urine specimens may be tested by a certified laboratory, and the probationer is expected to pay for a portion of the costs of the testing. Specimens are screened for the presence of alcohol and various drugs. 

Failure to call the drug screen line, submit to the testing or a positive test result can result in a violation of probation. Drug tests cost $5.00 for an instant test and $25 if the test needs to be confirmed by the certified laboratory. These prices are subject to change.   Please consult your probation officer for the most current costs.

If you are arrested, charged with any offense, or have any police contact, contact your probation officer immediately. If you are unable to speak directly with your probation officer, ask for a supervisor.

The Jefferson County Health and Human Relations Commission is a group of volunteers that were selected to help advise the County Commissioners on how to best meet the needs for issues of Health and Human Relations in our community.

The Jefferson County Health and Human Relations Commission meets once a month (Typically the last Thursday of the Month) to discuss topics that fall in the scope of health of human relations. Community members are welcome to attend meetings and bring topics for the commission to discuss or bring awareness to. 

No, the HHRC does not operate with a budget, and the commission members are volunteers.

The HHRC works with the County Commissioners to make sure community concerns are being met and help facilitate community conversations.  Some of the topics that have been brought to the commission and then passed on to the County Commissioners to follow up are: Concerns about Herbicide application in conservation areas, more awareness for fire safety and fire hydrant maintenance, concerns about inmate health and wellness in the County Jail, need for help spreading autism awareness, and the need of translation services in county run facilities.  The HHRC dedicated one of their Fall 2023 meetings to a community conversation around the need for a YMCA or similar facility in our community which led to very productive sharing and progress.

Refer to our Overview on our webpage!