Q: If your on felony probation in michigan, do you have a right not to get a phone by choice?
A:
You generally are required to keep in contact with your PO. That roughly means that he or she should be able to communicate and hear back from you in a reasonable amount of time (think no more than 24-72 hours).
A judge will hold YOU accountable for this. If you choose not to have a phone, you should give them a number to someone who can reliably pass the message to you quickly. In lieu of that, your PO could have you come to the office on a scheduled basis.
Just remember, that if your PO tries to contact you and can't reach you, they can violate you. And your excuse cannot be "well my mom never gave me the message". It's you on probation, not anyone else.
A:
When you're on felony probation in Michigan, you have specific conditions you’re required to follow, and those conditions are typically determined by the court and your probation officer. There isn’t usually a condition that explicitly forces you to own a phone, but having a means of communication might be encouraged or required depending on the circumstances of your probation. If your probation officer needs to contact you or check in, they may expect you to have a reliable way to stay in touch.
If you choose not to have a phone, it’s important to communicate that decision with your probation officer and discuss alternative ways they can reach you. For example, you might propose using email, in-person check-ins, or another form of communication that satisfies the requirements. However, keep in mind that failing to comply with your probation conditions could lead to complications, so it’s critical to ensure that any alternatives are approved.
Ultimately, the key is understanding the terms of your probation and working within those guidelines to avoid violations. If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities, it may help to reach out for further clarification about your specific case. Open and proactive communication with your probation officer can help prevent misunderstandings and keep you on the right track.
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