FAQs - Probation

Probation

Q: How can I have my probation/supervised release terminated early?

Answer

You are eligible to request early termination from probation or supervised release under the following circumstances:

After you have completed at least one year of supervision, your attorney can petition the Court, or
After you have completed one half of your term of supervision, you can request early termination through your U.S. Probation Officer.

If you have been convicted of a serious felony and/or have a history of violence, your case will not be considered for early termination.

Q: I am an employer and I want to know if a prospective employee has been convicted of a crime, can you run a background check?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public. However, most convictions are generally available in public records. These records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

Q: What are the standard conditions of probation the court must impose?

Answer

Individuals on supervision are required by the Court to abide by certain rules. These rules are called the conditions of supervision. They are basically the same whether the person is on probation, parole, military parole, mandatory release, or supervised release.

For a list of conditions, see the the standard conditions of probation.

Q: I know of a family member who is on Federal probation/supervised release, can you tell me what crime they committed?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public, which includes family members. However, most convictions can be found in public records. These public records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

Q: I have a family member/friend who is scheduled to be released from prison. They were convicted in federal court in another district or state but want to reside in the District of Columbia. How can his/her case be transferred?

Answer

The offender must request transfer of jurisdiction through his/her Bureau of Prisons Case Manager. When the request is made by the case manager, the U.S. Probation Office will conduct an investigation to determine whether the offender may transfer and report its findings to the Bureau of Prisons. The transfer of jurisdiction may only occur with approval from the district that would receive and supervise the offender.

Q: I am on probation/supervised release. Am I allowed to leave the state?

Answer

You are allowed to travel freely within a 50 mile radius of the District of Columbia. Unless you are given permission in advance by the judge in your case, any requests to travel outside of this range must be approved in advance by your U.S. Probation Officer.

Failure to do so may result in a violation of your supervision.

Q: I have been released from federal prison, how soon do I have to report for supervision?

Answer

Once released from custody, you are required to report to your assigned Probation Officer within 72 hours of release, which includes weekends and holidays. Please call (202) 565-1300 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, for instructions on where to report. If you have been convicted in another district, please contact the U.S. Probation Office in the district in which you have been convicted.

Failure to report will constitute grounds for a violation of supervised release.

Q: What is the procedure for the drug testing program also known as Code-A-Phone Answering Service?

Answer

Code-A-Phone is a random urinalysis system that requires participants to call the hotline on a daily basis, listen for a designated number and report to the required location on the specified day for submission. You are to remember your designated number to ensure you report on the proper day.

Dictrict of Columbia Drug Test Program

Q: I am on probation with DC Superior Court, where do I go for information?

Answer

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) provides services for those individuals sentenced in the D.C. Superior Court (local court).

For official business with CSOSA, write to:

Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
633 Indiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2902

Telephone Number: 202-220-5300 or 202-585-7377

For more information, please visit their web site: https://www.csosa.gov

United States Probation Office

District of Columbia

Brian D. Shaffer, Chief United States Probation Officer

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FAQs - Probation

Probation