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Commissioners waive $645 restitution to free probationer for release
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Summary
Bannock County commissioners voted April 7 to forgive a $645 restitution balance for a youth on probation, citing the juvenile’s history of trauma and successful compliance with other probation conditions; the waiver allows immediate release, with a requested letter from the youth.
Bannock County commissioners voted April 7 to waive a $645 restitution balance so a youth on probation can be released from supervision.
Matt Olsen of Bannock County Juvenile Justice told the board the youth owes $645 in restitution to the county for damage at the Portniff Wellness Complex but has otherwise complied with probation, completed schooling requirements and made progress toward stability. "She's ready to be released," Olsen said, and added that the youth has a history of foster placement and family substance abuse that limited employment options.
Danny Tanner, a probation officer who has worked with the youth, supported the request. "There's we've been able to achieve a lot as far as probation's role," Tanner said, adding that the youth's changes are the result of her own efforts.
Commissioners discussed alternatives such as converting the debt to community service but noted transportation and the youth's current residence outside the county would make that difficult. Commissioner (unnamed) suggested asking the youth to write a short letter reflecting on what she learned; several commissioners said they preferred that as a nonbinding condition.
The chair moved to waive the remaining restitution balance of $645 and asked staff to request a short reflective letter from the youth. The motion carried.
The waiver does not appear to change other probation conditions; commissioners said staff will process the release once any requested documentation is received.
