Opinion ID: 2266148
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Modification of Probation Conditions

Text: Collins contends that although 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1202(2) (Supp.1995) [7] requires a hearing on notice to the probationer if the probation officer wants to modify or add to the conditions of probation, the statutory provision fails to provide any standard that must be satisfied for a court to modify the conditions of probation. He contends that a change in circumstances or some action by the defendant must be shown before the court can modify a condition of probation. We disagree. Title 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1202 incorporates the standards set forth in 17-A M.R.S.A. §§ 1204(1) and 1204(2-A)(M) [8] (1983 & Supp. 1995). When presented with a request to modify a condition of probation, the trial court must find that the requested condition would advance one of the purposes set forth in the statute. The court in the instant case concluded that Collins was already prohibited from the use of alcohol or drugs as a condition of his probation, and further found that providing Collins's probation officer with the authority to conduct random searches or tests would be a useful and reasonable means of monitoring Collins's compliance with the terms of his probation. The court's determination is not clearly erroneous. Collins's probation officer testified that he felt the conditions sought to be imposed were necessary because of Collins's past criminal history, which involves alcohol and substance abuse; that the court ordering substance abuse counseling omitted the testing requirement only because of an oversight; that these conditions are generally ordered; that the amended conditions were necessary to supervise Collins adequately; and that random search and testing acts as a deterrent to the prohibited use of alcohol and illegal substances. The entry is: Judgment affirmed. All concurring.