Starting Probation

Chances are if you are reading this you are on some type of supervised release, more likely probation than parole.  Most if not all sentences given to sex offenders these days incorporate probation since most prosecutors and judges believe supervision after adjudication or release from incarceration is necessary to monitor behavior.  The time from when you start probation up to, say, 3 years is when most probationers violate.  You are much more likely to violate one of the terms of your probation than commit a new crime or sex offense.  The judge can add more time to your probation, order you to attend more programs, send you back to jail/prison, or anything she deems appropriate.  So it's best to avoid this pain altogether.  Winding up in front of a judge for a probation violation hearing can happen very easily.  You can be doing everything you are supposed to and that might not be enough (I'll save that story for a later post).  Here are some basics every newbie should consider:

Show up for your first appointment:  If you've just been released from prison you don't have much time (or maybe even the means) to meet your new PO at the courthouse.  Take it very seriously since this is their first impression of you.  And when I say "their" I am also talking about the the administrative staff, other PO's, assistant chiefs, and chief .  You may not know exactly who they are but they know who you are by what side of the counter you are standing and chances are you'll be switched to another PO or dealing with the chief at some point.  Be business-like, be courteous, and keep your mood and attitude in check.

Show up for every single appointment afterwards:  Whether it's a home or courthouse visit, don't keep your PO waiting though there will be many times when you will be waiting for them.  You'll stick out in their minds as someone who isn't taking probation seriously, is wasting their time, or needs to be dragged to a violation hearing if you can't keep your appointment.  If something comes up then call your PO or the office.

Copy everything: The probation department lives on documents. Everything is on some piece of paper.   If you are going to organize anything in your life, make sure you set aside a folder to hold documents pertaining to your probation.  Be sure to make copies of your probation contract and receipts of any payments you make to probation or the courts in general. Treatment providers typically fax your monthly progress reports but make sure your PO receives them. Income must also be documented so copy checks and pay stubs too.

If you are having a problem let them know: This sounds a little counterintuitive but in my experience the more your PO knows about you the better.  He has a running narrative of you in his head (and on paper of course) and information and context matters when he is making a decision about you.  Be succinct and keep it real because they've heard all of the bullshit stories before.  If you're truthful they're more apt to cut you some slack and maybe even help you out.

Introduction

Hi There,

As someone who in 1997-2001 spent 4 years in Massachusetts State Prison and is now finishing up a 10 year probation period for a sex offense I committed when I was 20, I wanted to share some of my insight and experience to help other sex offenders - convicted or otherwise - as well as their families and friends through a confusing and frustrating situation.  As I look to begin my consulting and coaching business to aid sex offenders and their families deal with the myriad of unforeseen and anticipated issues, I wanted to use this blog not only to help hash out my ideas and beliefs but to reach out to those of you in what can only be described as a very isolating and confusing experience.

This is not a blog on how you can beat the system, get a bottom bunk in prison, or get what you want from your probation officer.  My goal is to be a guide and hopefully clarify what it means to be a sex offender in Massachusetts and how you can and should engage life, plan for the future, and work with many of the restrictions placed on you.   It's not that I've figured it all out and have a perfect life now, but I believe you can use my information to give you and your family a better life than what many others feel you deserve or what you may unwittingly deny yourself.

I am new to blogging so the set up will be basic for a while but feel free to comment and ask questions and send ideas.