You are on Felony Probation: 4 Things Not To Do

You are on Felony Probation: 4 Things Not To Do

Being on felony probation means you report to a probation officer by phone or in person, typically once a month.  Between your reporting dates, you need to stay on your probation officer’s good side.
  1. 1.    Don’t associate with felons. Almost all felony probation officers will tell you not to hang around with known felons. It can get you violated. Some probationers have tried to claim they didn’t know their best friend was a felon, but that doesn’t usually hold up in court. Video:  A new probation program
  2. Don’t keep missing fees. Most probation officers will work with you a little bit if you have legitimate reasons to be late with payments. Medical bills can be legitimate reasons, but you don’t want to press your luck, so be sure they’re very serious. Probationers have been violated and jailed for stopping their supervision payments and not doing anything to catch them up.
  3. Don’t hang out in high-crime areas. Your P.O. probably hasn’t restricted your movements, but for your own good, stay out of rough areas. If you are seen hanging out in high-crime spots, your probation officer might decide you are up to old habits and decide to watch you more closely. You never want to get on his/her radar like that.
  4. Don’t forget to notify your P.O. about any police contact. You only have a certain number of hours to alert your probation officer of police contact. Abide by the rules. The police and probation department work closely together and your failure to let the P.O. know you were questioned or detained could land you in jail. Make the call, leave a message, fax something in writing to protect yourself with evidence that you did notify as required.
Related: Probation home visit Final thoughts: Your probation officer has your freedom in his/her hands. Be sure you are constantly aware of that fact. You may be interested in: Can you request a reduction in your probation to join the military?