When you are on probation or parole, you have specific requirements for what you are and aren’t allowed to do. One of the conditions that is present in almost all programs is that you can’t associate with known felons. There are several reasons for this, but it is imperative that you comply so that you don’t face a violation.
The primary goal of forbidding association with other felons is that this gives the person a chance to rehabilitate without falling back into old habits. The terms of the program will usually also forbid a person from having contact with anyone who is engaging in criminal activity, regardless of whether that person is a felon or not.
There is some indication that a person on probation or parole who is associating with felons or people who are breaking the law will lead to the individual under supervision becoming a recidivist in the criminal justice system. This defeats the purpose of this type of release.
Probation and parole officers sometimes keep a close eye on the people they are supervising. Between surveillance of some sort and statements from other individuals, they might be able to find out if you are associating with forbidden individuals. In some instances, this will could arise from a traffic stop when you are caught with those people.
If you are facing a violation because you failed to comply with this term of the program, you need to prepare your defense. Remember that these cases are handled in a bench trial so the judge will determine the outcome of the matter.
