For those on parole or probation, the officer they meet with can become one of the most significant people in their lives, as they can potentially determine their future. Even though you are ultimately responsible for your actions, they have a lot of power over your life. Any violation of probation can mean a trip behind bars. Whether or not you can record your meetings with your parole officer can depend on office policy, correctional guidelines and rules, and state statutes. If you have difficulty remembering information or important points during a conversation, explain your situation to the probation officer and ask if they’re okay with you recording it.
There’s always the chance they may think you have ulterior motives, but by being up front and honest with your request, you’re giving them the option to refuse. Recording your parole or probation officer without telling them you’re doing so is a completely different thing and, in several states, illegal. It can be tempting to do so if you feel they’re being unfair, discriminatory, corrupt, or saying things they shouldn’t. And in some states, single-consent recording is permitted. But not telling your officer that you’re recording the meeting is taking a very big risk. Getting caught secretly recording your meeting will at best sour your relationship with the parole officer. In many instances, it could be reason enough to have your parole or probation revoked. So, what can you do if you’re concerned about the demeanor or behavior of your parole officer? It’s important to understand that trying to handle it alone may not be your best option.
If you think making a covert recording will expose serious issues, contact a law enforcement agency not connected to your parole officer. This might mean approaching the FBI, your state’s attorney general’s office, the Department of Justice, or other agencies. Reaching out to more than one is also recommended, as it can help avoid being stopped by anyone connected to the corruption. Another good option is seeking assistance and legal advice through a civil rights group like the ACLU or the SPLC.
The exact defense will depend on the circumstances involved, so it’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer to discuss the best options for your case.If this happens, it means there is a court order that mandates your arrest and court appearance to face your unpaid citation.If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900
