You may wish to travel out of state for a vacation, to visit family and friends, to see a medical specialist or for a job opportunity. However, probation may limit many of your travel options. Instead of facing jail time after a criminal charge, you may be placed on probation as punishment, which is a form of supervised release. Probation sets specific conditions on your ability to travel depending on the terms of your probation.
If you are planning on traveling while on probation, it may be important to review your legal rights. Here is what you should know:
Requesting permission to travel with your probation officer
You may be required to check in with a probation officer as part of your probation terms. A probation officer plays a critical role in monitoring your time on probation and helping to ensure you meet the conditions set by a judge, such as attending counseling, paying fines and partaking in community service. In short, your probation officer helps ensure you comply with the terms of your probation, including your ability to travel.
In Florida, you may need to make a request to travel to your probation officer before setting out on any plans, especially to cross state borders. Your probation officer may have the ability to grant or deny your travel plans. Your ability to travel could greatly depend on the reason you need to cross state borders.
You can start your request to travel by talking to your probation officer. You can communicate the reason and importance of traveling out of state, such as for a family emergency or medical appointment. You may be required to submit supporting documents to prove that you need to travel, such as a doctor’s note. If you are given permission, you may be required to follow specific instructions such as calling your probation officer at regular times.
Failing to make a request before you travel, or failing to follow instructions from your probation officer if you are permitted to travel could both have legal consequences. You may need to reach out for legal guidance to learn more about your rights, options and obligations.