46-23-1005. Misdemeanor probation offices -- misdemeanor probation officers -- costs. (1) A local government may establish a misdemeanor probation office associated with a justice's court, municipal court, or city court. The misdemeanor probation office shall monitor offenders for misdemeanor sentence compliance and restitution payments. An offender is considered a fugitive under the conditions provided in 46-23-1014.

(2) A local government may appoint or contract with a private Montana entity for the provision of misdemeanor probation officers and other employees necessary to administer this section. Misdemeanor probation officers:

(a) must have the minimum training required in 46-23-1003; and

(b) shall follow the supervision guidelines required in 46-23-1011.

(3) A publicly employed misdemeanor probation officer may order the arrest of an offender as provided in 46-23-1012.

(4) An offender who is convicted of the offense of partner or family member assault under 45-5-206 or of a violation of an order of protection under 45-5-626 and who is ordered to be supervised by misdemeanor probation must be ordered to pay for the cost of the misdemeanor probation. The actual cost of probation supervision over the offender's sentence must be paid by the offender unless the offender can show that the offender is unable to pay those costs. The costs of misdemeanor probation are in addition to any other fines, restitution, or counseling ordered.