Opinion ID: 2211690
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: General Procedure for Probation Revocation

Text: There is no right to probation, and the decision whether to grant probation is a matter within the discretion of the trial court. Farmer v. State (1973), 257 Ind. 511, 275 N.E.2d 783. The court determines the conditions of probation and may revoke probation if these conditions are violated. Ind. Code Ann. §§ 35-38-2-1 to -3 (West 1986). As part of its supervisory duties, the court appoints probation officers who are directly responsible to the court and subject to its orders. Ind. Code Ann. § 11-13-1-1 (West 1982). One of the duties of probation officers is to notify the court when a violation of a condition of probation occurs. Ind. Code Ann. § 11-13-1-3(7) (West 1982). Probation revocation is governed by Ind. Code Ann. § 35-38-2-3 (West 1986). The statute does not specify who is to file a petition for probation revocation but common practice is that it may be filed by either the probation officer or the prosecuting attorney. See, e.g., Malone v. State (1991), Ind. App., 571 N.E.2d 329 (no error in probation officer filing motion for revocation); Dalton v. State (1990), Ind. App., 560 N.E.2d 558 (prosecutor filed motion to revoke); Indiana Judicial Center, Criminal Benchbook for Indiana Judges, Form 20.03 (2nd Ed. 1984) (petition for probation revocation form to be signed by probation officer). When a petition to revoke is filed, the court must hold a hearing on the alleged probation violation. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-38-2-3(c) (West 1986). [1] A revocation hearing is in the nature of a civil action, and the alleged violation need be proven only by a preponderance of the evidence. Henderson v. State (1989), Ind., 544 N.E.2d 507.