Swift & Sure Sanctions
The Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (SSSPP) is an intensive probation supervision program that is designed to be fair, swift, certain, and consistent while providing proportionate responses to behavior. SSSPP participants are closely monitored by drug and alcohol testing, outpatient treatment, and frequent meetings with probation and the Swift and Sure Coordinator.
SSSPP aims to improve success by promptly imposing graduated sanctions for probation violations.
Adult Drug Court vs SSSPP
Differences between the Adult Drug Court and the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program
| Adult Drug Court | Swift & Sure Sanctions |
|---|---|
| Focuses on high risk, high needs offenders who abuse or are dependent on alcohol or controlled substances. | Targets medium to high risk felony offenders with a history of probation violations or failures. |
| Specially designed to reduce recidivism and substance abuse and increase offenders’ likelihood of successful habilitation. | Not specifically designed to target substance abuse. |
| Special court docket with hearings every other week. | No special court docket – SSSPP Sanctions Hearings take place only when a violation is reported. |
Sanctions Grid
| First Violation |
Five days in the Livingston County Jail and one of the following:
|
| Second Violation |
|
| Third Violation |
|
| Fourth Violation | 20 days in the Livingston County Jail |
| Fifth Violation | Dismissal from SSSPP recommended. However, the Judge will use discretion. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the Swift & Sure Sanctions Probation Program (SSSPP)?
To be eligible for SSSPP, a felony offender must have a Medium or High COMPAS risk value.
For most SSSPP admissions, the MDOC Probation Agent conducting the defendant’s Presentence Investigation will make the recommendation for admission into SSSPP if the defendant meets the eligibility requirements and the Probation Agent believes the defendant is a good fit for the Program. At sentencing, the Judge will decide whether or not the defendant is admitted into SSSPP.
In some cases, SSSPP can be part of a plea agreement that is reached by the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office and the Defense Attorney.
How does a SSSPP hearing work?
Within 72 hours after a probation violation is reported, an SSSPP Sanctions Hearing is held. Violations for any condition of probation will be treated as a Contempt of Court, rather than a formal Probation Violation.
For a Sanctions Hearing, the participant will appear in front of the Judge assigned to their case. If the participant admits to the violation, they will be held in Contempt of Court and sentenced according to the SSSPP sanctions grid. SSSPP participants also have the right to deny the violation. In this case, the participant can request a contested hearing, and a formal Probation Violation will be filed.
What happens after someone is sentenced into SSSPP?
The SSSPP Coordinator will contact the new participant after sentencing to schedule a Program Orientation. During Orientation, the Coordinator will review the SSSPP Handbook, have the participant read and sign the Participant Agreement, and conduct an entry screening. The Coordinator will also gather resources, assess the participant’s needs, and answer any questions at this time.
For more information, contact:
Sara Applegate
Specialty Courts & Programs Administrator
(517) 540-7664
sapplegate@livgov.com