Before you start
This guide walks through the order of things for someone in Rochester or the rest of Olmsted County who needs, or wants, an anger management class. It assumes nothing about your case. If you have a lawyer, talk to them as well; nothing here is a substitute for their view.
Step 1: Gather what you were given
Put every document in one place: the court order or sentencing paper, any conditions of release, and contact details for your agent. Highlight any line that mentions anger management, counseling, a deadline, or a number of hours or sessions. If you were not given a deadline, note the date you received the paperwork so you can ask about it.
If nothing official asks you to take a class and you are going on your own, skip to Step 4.
Step 2: Find out who supervises you
In this county, supervision is handled by Dodge & Olmsted (D&O) Community Corrections, a joint effort of the two counties. The county page cited below says its services include probation supervision for adults and juveniles, pretrial services and intake. If you were charged recently and have not been sentenced, you may be working with pretrial staff rather than a probation agent; ask which applies to you.
Community Corrections is one of the offices the county lists at the Government Center, 151 4th Street SE, so ask your agent whether meetings happen there.
Step 3: Ask your agent or the court what counts
This is the most important step. Only the court or your probation officer decides whether a program fits an order. Ask directly:
- Is there a specific number of sessions or hours?
- Does the class need to be in person, or is online attendance acceptable?
- What proof do they want, and should it go to them, to the court, or to you?
- Is there a date by which you must enroll or finish?
Ask for the answers in writing if you can. Keep a short log of who you spoke with and when.
Step 4: Build a shortlist
Use the listings on this site to pick two or three providers that serve Rochester. Look at whether they run groups, individual sessions, or both; when sessions meet; and whether they offer an online option. You are looking for a schedule you can keep for the full length of the class, not just the first week.
If you work early shifts, ask about evening groups. If you care for children, ask whether online sessions are possible on some weeks.
Step 5: Call and compare
Call each provider on your shortlist and ask the same questions so you can compare answers side by side:
- How long is the class, and when does the next one begin?
- What does the attendance letter or completion record look like?
- How do they handle a missed session?
- Can they send records directly to your agent if you sign a release?
If a provider makes firm claims about what your agent or judge will accept, treat that as a reason to double-check with your agent rather than as settled.
Step 6: Confirm with your agent before you begin
Send your agent the name of the provider you prefer and the format you plan to attend. Wait for their answer before paying a deposit or starting. A short delay now is better than finishing a class that turns out not to fit.
Step 7: Keep your own records
Once the class starts, keep a folder with your enrollment confirmation, a note of each session date, and any receipts. When you finish, ask for the completion record and make a copy before it goes to anyone else. If your agent or the court asks for it later, you will have it ready.
Step 8: Know where to look things up
If you need to read your paperwork more closely, Olmsted County's courts page lists the District Court, the Third Judicial District, and the Olmsted County Law Library, which you can reach at the number in the fact below. The library can show you where to find information; it does not give advice about your case.
A note on what this site does
We list independent providers so you can compare them. We do not run classes, check credentials, or tell you what the court will accept. Your agent and the court have that role, and the steps above are built around asking them early.