San Diego, CA asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for California

Q: Can a probation officer ask for my girlfriends information if she doesn't live with me ?

Federal Supervised release

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Under California law, a probation officer generally does not have the authority to demand information about your girlfriend if she does not live with you, especially if you are under federal supervised release rather than state probation.

However, there are a few important considerations:

1. If your girlfriend regularly stays at your residence or is present during home visits, the probation officer may inquire about her identity and relationship to you.

2. If the terms of your supervised release include restrictions on associating with certain individuals (e.g., convicted felons), the officer may ask about your girlfriend to ensure compliance with these conditions.

3. If your girlfriend is involved in any activities related to your case or suspected of criminal activity, the officer might have reason to inquire about her.

It's essential to review the specific terms of your supervised release and consult with your attorney for guidance on your rights and obligations. While a probation officer's authority is not unlimited, it's generally advisable to maintain open communication and cooperate with reasonable requests to the extent required by law and the conditions of your supervision.

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