Probation Department

Island County District Court Probation

Island County District Court Probation provides supervision and resources to individuals who have been referred for pretrial monitoring or placed upon probation by the court after sentencing, the entry of a deferred prosecution or a diversion program. Island County District Court Probation serves Island County, the City of Oak Harbor, and the cities of Coupeville and Langley.

What does Probation do?

Probation is more than just a form of monitoring. Probation is something that the Court will place an individual on to assist not only in the supervision and compliance with court orders, but to help a defendant in achieving success. Probation will work with all defendants on problems in their lives that might be significant obstacles and contributing to the commission of crimes. They work with a defendant and other agencies to assist in connecting an individual with resources that help them comply with the court's mandate.   

Probation often works with people who have problems with mental health, alcohol or drug use, or domestic violence. Probation Officers will meet with defendants to find out how they can best assist them in completing their conditions imposed by the Court. Probation will assist in providing resources for individuals in completing everything from their community service hours, setting up treatment evaluations/assessments, and signing up for DUI/DV Victim Impact Panels. Probation Officers also keep the Court informed on a defendant’s progress in completing their conditions.  

What to Expect When You are Ordered on Probation?

  • If the Court orders Probation, the first thing you will need to do is promptly contact Probation and set up an intake appointment. If the Court has not set a time for contacting probation, you should contact the court within five (5) days from the court ordering probation. This appointment will take between 20–30 minutes. Your Probation Officer will review your judgment and sentence with you, provide you with resources on how to complete your conditions, go over the “rules” of Probation and answer any questions you may have.  
    • Prior to your intake appointment, please complete the biography sheet located under the “Forms” section and email it to your Probation Officer.
  • Rules of Probation may include, but are not limited to:
    • Notify Probation immediately of any and all contacts by law enforcement agencies.
    • Notify Probation of any address or employment changes.
    • Comply with the affirmative conditions imposed on the Judgment and Sentence or SOC.
    • Obtain a travel pass from the Probation Department if you travel out of the State for longer than 30 days.
    • An Interstate Compact may be required if you leave the State of Washington on a permanent basis.
    • Check in with your Probation Officer once monthly, either in person, by phone or via email. Complete the appropriate Monthly Report form, located under the “Forms” section.         

Ron CosteckNote From Judge Ronald Costeck:

I would like to acknowledge Probation Officer Walter for her outstanding commitment to the job and this community.  When confronted with obstacles, P.O. Walter looked for and found solutions.  Officer Walter recognized the gap between court ordered rehabilitative treatment and the availability of services provided on Whidbey Island.  Understanding the value of domestic treatment to the individual and community, and the obstacles presented by a lack of treatment agencies and the prohibitive cost of treatment, she came up with a plan and solution.   

With the support of coworkers and the court, P.O. Walter undertook a weeklong training to organize and facilitate DV-MRT classes.   DV-MRT classes is a Moral Reconation Therapy.  A twenty-four (24) week class that follows a cognitive behavioral approach focusing on defendant accountability and providing insight into conduct and alternative approaches to avoid recidivism.   

For the past three months Officer Walters has been facilitating and running the continuous entry DV-MRT program for Island County District Court.   This program services individuals who are unable to obtain treatment or cannot afford the high out of pocket costs associated with traditional off-island programs.  As of 2025, services are now being delivered to underserved individuals ensuring accountability and compliance with court orders.  The benefit to the community and the victims of domestic violence from Probation Walter’s initiative cannot be overstated.  

Thank-you Probation Officer Walter!  

Contacting your Probation Officer

STAFF

 

 

 

NAME

TITLE

 

EMAIL

Terri Ludemann

Probation Assistant

Monitors pre-trial and SOC conditions.  Issues/sets up court ordered portable alcohol monitors

t.ludemann@islandcountywa.gov

Wendy Walter

Probation Officer

Monitors all post conviction cases, excluding  DUIs, Physical Control and Deferred Prosecution cases

w.walter@islandcountywa.gov

Carol Nelson

Probation Officer

Monitors DUIs, Physical Control, Deferred Prosecution cases

c.nelson@islandcountywa.gov


 

Probation Forms: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is my probation officer?

  • Contact the Probation Department at: 360-675-0777, Ext 2.

How do I schedule an appointment?

  • Contact the Probation Department at: 360-675-0777, Ext 2.

How long am I on probation?  

  • When the Court orders probation, you will be on what is termed supervised or active probation until you complete your affirmative conditions.  After you complete supervised probation you will be transferred to administrative or inactive probation for the remainder of the jurisdiction of your case. The jurisdiction period is listed on your Judgment and Sentence.  If you still have questions, please contact your probation officer.  This question will also be addressed at your initial probation intake appointment.

 Can I still get in trouble if I’m on inactive probation?

  • Your judgment and sentence will list the mandatory conditions you must follow during the full jurisdiction of your case. This will include the period of both active or inactive probation.  Examples of standard conditions include: no criminal law violations or alcohol related infractions; not refuse a breath or blood test to determine presence of intoxicants; not drive with a BAC of .08 or THC over 5 ng/ml within two hours of driving; not drive a motor vehicle without a valid license or proof of insurance; no alcohol, marijuana, or non-prescribed drugs; keep address current with the court; abide by any other existing court order. If you violate any of your mandatory conditions, you will be scheduled for a violation hearing before the court date.

I would like to move out of the State of Washington. Can I do this while on supervised probation?

I have a bench warrant. Why? What do I do now? 

  • If a person is on probation, a bench warrant could be issued by the court because the individual has failed to appear before the court and/or has failed to comply with the terms or the judgement and sentence. Please contact the court, your attorney, or your probation officer.

How long do I have to have an interlock device?

  • If you were ordered to have an interlock device by the Court for your pretrial release conditions, this condition will likely remain until you resolve your case. To request to have the device removed, you will need to have new court order authorizing removal. If you feel your situation warrants a review, please contact your probation officer and/or you lawyer. 
  • If the Department of Licensing (DOL) requires you to have an interlock device due to a conviction, such as a DUI, please contact them at 360-902-3900 or go to their Department of Licensing webpage.

Can I receive financial assistance for an ignition interlock?

I can’t use an ignition interlock due to a health issue, what can I do?

My case is in Pretrial status, why do I have to report to Probation?

  • Pretrial service programs perform a critical function in the legal system at large, but most importantly assist in mitigating the risks posed by defendants who are released awaiting trial. Courts can order defendants report to probation for pretrial supervision. Defendants will either be given a timeframe or ordered to report to probation immediately to setup pretrial monitoring. Failure to report when ordered may result in a remand into custody for a willful failure to comply or bench warrant for the failure to appear.

What is Alcohol Monitoring?

  • Alcohol Monitoring is a program used to help community safety while offering a less restrictive alternative to custody. There are many types of monitoring. Monitoring can range from random testing, to daily breath samples (BACtrack & Smart Start) on a breath devise that in the possession of the defendant, to continuous transdermal monitoring with an ankle bracelet. Monitoring costs can greatly range in price and intrusiveness. The particular monitoring the court has ordered will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and history.