Domestic Violence/Child Abuse/Sex Offender Unit

These DPOs are also tasked with the certification and monitoring of our various 52-week long Batterers Intervention Programs, pursuant to the requirement found in sections 1203.097 and 1203.098 of the California Penal Code, as well as ensure the programs follow Evidence Based Practices. Click on the link to review a list of the Fresno County Probation Department’s Approved Batterer Intervention Programs(PDF, 534KB) . Please know, you will need a referral from your Probation Officer prior to any enrollment. If you were placed on a misdemeanor grant of probation, you may also receive a referral from the Action Center at the Fresno County Superior Court.

The California State Legislature, through passage of Assembly Bill 226, designated sole authority to County Probation Departments to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke batterer’s program certification and renewal.

The Court and the Probation Department will only refer offenders to certified batterers’ programs providing education services which include, but are not limited to, lectures, classes, group discussions, and counseling; in-person and/or on-line (Zoom/telehealth, etc.).

Any program seeking criminal court mandated referrals shall apply using the "Batterers’ Program Application for Certification" to the Probation Department for approval. Submission of a Batterers’ Program Application for Certification does not guarantee certification. Should you want more information regarding becoming a certified Batterers Intervention Program, please call (559)600-1705.

The unit also works closely with our partners from the Fresno County Department of Social Services – Child Welfare Division, Adult Parole, Victim Services, and Family Court services. This Child Abuse Review Team (CART) conducts bi-monthly roundtable meetings to discuss cases relating to child abuse. DPOs assist Child Welfare Services in maintaining victim and child safety by conducting multi-agency collaborative responses in a timely manner and ensuring the consistency of services. Click on the link to review a list of the Fresno County Probation Department’s Approved Child Abuse Treatment Programs.(PDF, 528KB)

The unit also supervises defendants that have been sentenced to sex related crimes. Those sentenced to formal probation for these crimes may or may not have to register as a sex offender, pursuant to Penal Code 290. It is common for defendants on this specialized caseload to be ordered to complete a Sex Offender Treatment Program that is approved by the California Sex Offender Management Board. In order to appropriately supervise and assist these defendants on their road to rehabilitation and reintegration into the community, the Deputy Probation Officer maintains consistent communication with the defendant, coordinates with other law enforcement agencies, maintains contact with treatment providers, and utilizes the California Sex Offender Containment Model. In addition, with the assistance of evidence-based assessment tools, such as the Static-99R, STABLE-2007, and the LS/CMI, the Deputy Probation Officer can create an individualized case plan for each defendant. The primary objective when supervising the defendant is to ensure the safety of the community, assist the defendant in their rehabilitation, and ultimately reducing recidivism.

The unit has one officer who supervises a specialized case load of defendants who have been placed on probation for elder and dependent abuse related offenses. Types of abuse include neglect, physical, financial, emotional and sexual. Defendants on this case load may be ordered to attend counseling, pay Court ordered restitution and fines, and adhere to a restraining order which could be valid for up to 10 years, or as determined by the Court.

The Behavioral Health Court (BHC) is a voluntary, post-conviction program where participation is a term and condition of your probation. BHC is a client-centered and collaborative approach to supervising and assisting those with Severe Mental Illness who have significant impairment in functioning and who need additional support in order to complete probation successfully. The collaborative team includes a Probation Officer, a treatment provider, the attorney, the District Attorney, the Department of Behavioral Health and the Fresno County Superior Court and takes into consideration the unique needs of a mental health condition. The BHC client will work together with their treatment team to develop a treatment plan, which may include medication services, therapy, counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention, drug and alcohol counseling, and more. Supervision is based on an acuity of needs, often requiring weekly contact by phone, in the office, or in the field. The program is a minimum of 18 months and upon successful completion, felony charges may be reduced to a misdemeanor and/or charges may be dismissed. The goal of BHC is to improve the quality of life for those with a mental illness by providing access to public mental health and community resources, and to enhance the collaboration between criminal justice agencies and the mental health system to better serve those with mental illness.

The unit has been awarded a State funded grant referred as the Violent Offender Intensive Supervision Endeavor (VOISE). Static Risk Scores, past criminal history prior domestic violence arrests, the seriousness of the offense are some of the factors considered for this unique high-risk caseload. The DPO IV assigned to this caseload works closely with a Victim/Witness Advocate, to ensure domestic violence victims continue to have a voice throughout the offender’s probationary period. To guarantee the intensity of the supervision, the DPO will make weekly contacts with the probationer, whether they occur from the Probation Office, the probationer’s home, or by telephone. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please click on the following link to the Fresno County’s Crime Victim Services page for additional information.

The Adult Probation/Domestic Violence Unit is located at Fine Street between McKinley Ave. and Clinton Ave.

2048 N. Fine Ave. Suite 102
Fresno, CA 93727 map
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (559) 600-1705

You will be on probation for a minimum of three years, which may include a period of summary probation, as appropriate.

No, you cannot own a firearm. According to California Penal Code Section 12021, it is a felony for any person convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm.

For a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, you cannot own a firearm within ten years of the conviction. According to Penal Code Section 12021 (c) (1), a person in possession of a firearm within 10 years of his/her conviction will be charged with a felony.

Yes, as long as it does not conflict with any other Court order; however, the arrangements to pick up the children needs to be done through a third party and/or as directed by the Court or Probation.

Contact your assigned Probation Officer for further information.

The Probation Officer or the Court may allow you to move to a different county. You are still responsible to appear for your Court hearings and maintain contact with Probation as directed by the Probation Officer.

You cannot reside in a different state without the consent of the Court and approval by the receiving state.

Should the Court grant you permission to reside in a different state, your case will be referred to the “Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision.” Contact your assigned Probation Officer for more information.

You cannot travel to a different state without the consent of your Probation Officer.

The victim and/or you can request the Criminal Protective Order be lifted; however, the Judge is the only person that can lift or terminate an existing Criminal Protective Order.

Yes, you can petition the Court to dismiss your case in accordance with Penal Code Section 1203.4(a). The petition will only set your plea/verdict of guilt aside. It is your obligation to disclose the conviction in response to any direct questions contained in any questionnaire of application for public office, for licensure by any state or local agency, and for contracting with the California State of Lottery.

Among other things, Penal Code Section 1203.097(a)(6) requires that you attend a 52-week Batterers’ Intervention Program.

No, you can only attend one session of the Batterers’ Intervention Program weekly for 52 weeks.

It is your responsibility to seek and maintain employment. Probation may refer you to another agency for assistance.