Here are my tips for anyone working with a probation officer in Massachusetts.
- Realize every probation department is run differently. Some departments are easy-going and do their best to ensure probationers satisfy the conditions of probation. Others are less forgiving and have a more disciplinary approach. You should speak to your lawyer about what type of probation department you’ll be dealing with.
- Be honesty. All probation officers hate being lied to. In fact, I’ve often seen PO’s ask for harsher penalties when they suspect a probationer is lying. So if you fail to satisfy some part of your probation conditions (e.g., missed appointments, positive drug screens, etc.) don’t give a lame excuse. And if you have a genuine reason for the mishap, provide your PO with some good evidence that you’re being honest.
- Be patient. This tip is for probationers as well as criminal defense attorneys. Some probation departments seem to love making people wait. I know they’re busy. So is everyone else who works in the court system. But no one else will make your sit and wait like a probation officer. There’s nothing you can do about it. So just plan for it and be patient.
For more information, please watch my video below.